The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
If you belong back in the day, you could have found yourself rushing home to watch Neighbours, Hangin’ with Mr Cooper, Friends and Jimmy Gathu’s popular music show Rap Em as well as Style with Elsa Clench.
Viewers were treated to hilarious scenes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and other entertainment shows such as Kass Kass, Jam-a-Delic, Rythmix and Rastrut.
In 1990, KTN 62, the new privately-owned first free-to-air TV station in Africa, was a novelty and a break from the old. It was an innovative disruption from how people viewed media back then.
It created trendy ‘celebrity’ presenters and hosts, most of whom stirred viewers with the Queen’s twang and diction.
The new TV stars included Catherine Kasavuli, Joseph Warungu, Raphael Tuju, Jacquelene Thom, Zain Verjee, Fayaz Qureshi, Patricia Gashengu, Christine Nguku, Mercy Oburu and Lydia Manyasi.
There was Ruth Mutia, Isaiah Kabira, Annette Kanana-Bazira, Kathleen Openda and Njoroge Mwaura. Who remembers Oliver Litondo and Jeff Koinange’s formative days as well as Pinky Ghelani hosting Club Kiboko?
That is how far ‘Yours Faithfully’ comes and last Friday, 33 years on, the home of entertainment changed its aesthetics and unveiled its fresh talent with fresh content that resonates with the modern day viewer.
From the new logo and look to programming, the presenters and the shows, the rebranded KTN Home is the definition of an entertainment innovative space that speaks to the fast-paced content consumer, Millennials and Gen-Zers vibe feeling totally cool.
It was a glitz red-carpet star-studded affair at the Anga Cinema in Nairobi’s CBD, the iconic 20th Century that coincidentally was the first major movie theatre in the city in the sun.
In their hundreds, invited guests strutted the red-carpet with poise and grace as they made fashion statements, which resonate with the new dawn that was being served on the big night.
In his speech delivered by Raymond Ochieng, Youth Affairs secretary, Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba congratulated the Standard Group and particularly KTN Home for undergoing such a wonderful rebrand that presents a great new look and feel.
“KTN Home has for many years been known to be a leader in the promotion of arts and entertainment, by making available its platforms for young people to showcase their talents.
“I wish to applaud KTN Home for this and urge them to continue on this path. We do understand that we are in a digital age, where information and content are readily accessible, and the role of media has transformed significantly, as content creation has been democratised.
“Media, however, remains an influential force, shaping opinions, bridging gaps and amplifying the voices of individuals and communities,” said Namwamba, who was chief guest at the ceremony.
“Recognising the talents youths have and giving them a platform whereby they can express themselves is at the core of what we do as a ministry. I believe that as a ministry, partnering with media organisations can assist us unleash the full potential of talent in the entertainment space, which is a multi-billion industry and can only be transformed and made better to create more opportunities for young people,” said the Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts Cabinet Secretary.
“I wish to call upon the youth to seize this moment and platform offered by KTN Home, and Standard Group in general, to embrace and showcase their talents with zeal and confidence. I equally call upon the media industry to continue recognising the transformative power of the youth and provide them with support they need to soar above all height,” he said.
Among the partners at the launch were Room Wine Kenya, Fairview Hotel, Naivas Supermarkets, Anga Cinemas, MultiChoice Kenya, Gem Suites, Safaricom and Maybelline New York with a special representation by Stefano Libianchi, the Executive Sales Manager of Wine Kenya.
In his remarks, Mr Orlando Lyomu, the Standard Group CEO, said KTN had a strong heritage as it was the first private TV channel in Kenya that opened the path for many others.
He said the KTN Home brand had undergone a rebirth that would delight audiences.
“The new look is dynamic, refreshing, aspirational and inspires hope. The all new KTN Home remains a family channel - fun, captivating, inspirational and puts audiences first in content offering. The brand provides homely entertainment in all spaces; be it on your TV set, laptop or mobile phone device,” said Lyomu.
The CEO said the new look was a recommitment to the station’s audiences, stressing that the reawakened KTN Home would focus on local Swahili drama shows, telenovelas, brand new Hollywood movies, talk shows, reality shows in-depth features and entertainment, kids content, youth content, and many more.
“The brand will continue producing quality and relevant content that is impactful to people’s lives,” he said.
Some of the unveiled rebranded entertainment shows include E-Curve, My Story, Str8Up, Turn Up, the Couples Game Show and Love Stories.
Content creator Claudia Naisabwa leads the ‘Str8Up’ crew, with former Miss Kenya finalist Laura Mbatha hosting both E-Curve and Iwake.
Prolific broadcaster, producer and director Catherine Mwangi will be driving the My Story show.
