President Mwai Kibaki has Wednesday invited the private sector to exploit the huge potential availed by the digital technology and at all times to uphold public interest.
Affirming the Government's commitment to install the entire infrastructure required for the digital system, President Kibaki cautioned that the public interest will not be compromised and urged industry players to promote national unity and expound the country's development agenda.
The Head of State noted that the new dawn of broadcasting technology must be accompanied by responsible code of conduct by all players.
President Kibaki made the remarks Wednesday at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) grounds during the official launching of digital terrestrial TV broadcasting in Kenya .
Kenya becomes the second nation in Africa to migrate from analogue to digital broadcast after South Africa whose migration was accelerated by FIFA World Cup finals to be held next year.
This is hailed as the biggest technology shifting of TV broadcast after the colour television.
The President observed, "We must use the expanded broadcasting space to build on our national unity and expound on the development agenda. Let us always remember that the expanded media freedom must never be used to undermine our sense of nationhood as underscored in our national anthem - ‘may we dwell in unity, peace and liberty.''
During the occasion President Kibaki ordered the Ministry of Information to conduct sensitization campaigns to educate Kenyans on the benefits of digital broadcasting and at the same time ensure that the sector develops in a harmonized and structured manner.
He said, "Some of the benefits include superior image and sound clarity, interactive communication, and data broadcasting. Moreover, there will be the freeing up of more frequencies and increased opportunities for innovation and creativity."
The Head of State reiterated that the Government was determined to lay a firm foundation for the country's economic and technological growth aimed at shifting to an industrial and service-driven economy in comparison to an agriculture-based economy.
He affirmed that ICT must remain a key pillar in the fight against poverty and expressed delight at the significant milestones so far realized in the country's ICT sector in the past six years with regard to job and wealth creation, as well as stimulation of innovation and prosperity.
"Currently, the sector contributes about 2.8 per cent of G.D.P. We envisage this to rise to 8 per cent by the year TWENTY TWELVE, bringing tremendous benefits to our country," the Head of State said.
The President commended the migration to digital broadcasting because the new technology would free many frequencies to enable more players and new applicants in the industry to benefit from the national resource whose demand cannot be currently catered for.
The Head of State noted that with the migration to the new digital system it was possible to dedicate channels to varied content on specialized topics such as the youth, sports, education, tourism, science and culture.
He observed, "There are many Kenyan investors who are waiting to be allocated frequencies. We have applications for 60 TV licenses and more than 150 for FM radio. Currently this demand cannot be met. With the migration to digital broadcasting, it will now be possible to award new licenses, increasing choice and giving more room to a broader democratic space."
On this regard President Kibaki directed the Ministry of Information to establish mechanisms for innovative local programs that promote the country's national values and rich culture and more importantly to involve the youth in producing local programs to boost their incomes.
The President noted, "Our uniquely Kenyan heritage, cultural and traditional values must not be overtaken by external ideals. The Ministry should also explore ways and means of involving the youth in producing local programs as a means of wealth creation. I am pleased to note that the number of local television programmes on the national broadcaster, KBC as well as on other television stations has increased tremendously. This is a step in the right direction and must be encouraged."
The Head of State further directed the ministers for Finance and Information to explore means of providing tax relief for importation of new technology and make it affordable for wananchi and also to mitigate costs accrued from the migration.
President Kibaki observed, "This will ensure that many Kenyans continue enjoying their favorite television programmes."
He noted that the Government had set a deadline for full migration by the year 2012 despite the one set by the International Telecommunications Union of 2015.
The launch which marked the phase one of transition to Digital Television Broadcasting covers Nairobi , and its environs among them Kajiado, Machakos, Naivasha and Muranga.
Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta said the launch of the Digital Video Broadcasting was a milestone in the government's objective of helping taking Kenya to the next level of technological advancement.
The Deputy PM who is the Minister for Finance noted that technological advancement was also a strategy to create new job opportunities for the youth.
Mr Uhuru asked Kenyans to support the government efforts to build a united nation by remaining focused and committed to the cause.
The Deputy PM who represented the Minister for Information and communications during the official launch stressed that the government infrastructural investments in all sectors of the economy would enable the country to realize its stated vision of being a hub of middle income by the year 2030.
Assistant Minister for Information and Communications Mr. George Khaniri assured Kenyans of appropriate broadcast content as the country enter the digital broadcast technology.
The Assistant Minister at the same time said the National Broadcaster required all the support from the government to remain afloat as the country enter digital broadcasting.
Mr. Khaniri noted with concern that KBC was bogged down by crippling debts and obsolete equipments.
Others who spoke during the occasion included the PS Ministry of Information and Communication, Dr Bitange Ndemo, the Chairman Communications Commission of Kenya Eng. Philip Okundi and a representative of the Media Owners Association Miss Rose Kimotho.
In attendance were Cabinet Ministers William Ruto, Fred Gumo, Wycliffe Oparanya, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet Amb. Francis Muthaura among other senior government officials and stakeholder representatives in the communication industry.
