KASS media to launch Kenya's first vernacular TV station

By Alex Kiprotich

For the first time in the history of broadcasting in Kenya, Kenyans will have a vernacular television station with hundred per cent local content.

KASS TV which is currently on test run will soon be launched and will be broadcast in Kalenjin language in Kenya and Washington DC, USA.

“We are currently testing the signals and so far the response has been overwhelming from our viewers,” said Joshua Chepkwony the chairman of Kass Media.

Chepkwony said this was a response to a request by the massive followers of Kass FM radio station especially in Rift Valley and in Diaspora.

“We are responding to the needs of our audience who want much more. Creativity in the current broadcasting has hit the ceiling because the use of foreign languages always has a limit,” he said.

He said the idea is to reach to all kinds of audience without limitation of language because the current scenario of broadcast favours only the educated and locks out sizeable audience in the villages who also need to be informed. Chepkwony said the broadcast and interviews will be done in Kalenjin and this brings inclusivness, authenticity and originality in the way presentations are done.

“We will be able to reach to the common man whose limitation in terms of education has confined him to exclusion. He will have a platform to be heard and appreciated,” he said.

Chepkwony is optimistic that by December they will be through with trials and will broadcast live in all events especially in the seven counties of Rift valley.