Consumer groups criticise State’s TV switch-off move

Consumer groups have protested against a government decision to switch off analogue television transmission in Nairobi at the end of this month.
In a letter dated December 3, the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) questioned the decision to migrate Nairobi to the digital platform, citing the costs of equipment and the coming election.

“Your abrupt decision, in the event that it is sustained, will lock out millions of Kenyans from following civic education and other matters related to the election,” reads the letter to Information Permanent Secretary Bitange Ndemo signed by secretary-general Stephen Mutoro.

Mr Mutoro criticised the decision to impose a 2012 deadline on parts of the country for the migration.

Kenya is moving from analogue to digital transmission in line with a 2015 global deadline.

The country moved this deadline forward to June 2012 but after missing it, it was decided to effect the migration in phases, beginning with Nairobi in December.

Cofek says retaining the 2015 deadline will give TV owners more time to understand the new technology and buy the necessary equipment.

Kenyans will have to buy set-top boxes that convert digital signals to analogue signals. The set-top boxes cost between Sh2,000 to Sh5,000.

Another group, the Consumer Information Network, said the set-top boxes were too expensive.

“They are expensive and out of reach of millions of Kenyans,” said the group.