A Critical Analysis of Factors Affecting Digital Migration and Its Uptake Within Nairobi

Abstract

This study critically interrogates factors affecting digital migration and its uptake in Nairobi. The digital migration is meant to enrich consumer experience, and improve on the quantity and quality of programmes. The digital transition in broadcasting is a global process involving the switch from analogue to digital broadcasting signals. A number of countries have completed this transition. Most are, however, still making the transition. Even though the International Telecommunications Unions set 2015 as the deadline for digital migration, the Kenya government initially set its own as 2012. It is yet to transit to transit to digital broadcasting two years later in 2014. It is thus abundantly clear that the transition from analogue to digital in Kenya has experienced numerous challenges. Among the challenges include the fact that few television consumers and understand the importance of digital migration and are thus not convinced that they need to invest in digital equipment necessary for them to enjoy the benefits of digitisaton, including clearer signals and quality programming. The fact that many people live in poverty, and can hardly afford to migrate, has not helped government efforts to effect the migration. Besides, media companies and TV channels are seemingly not yet ready for the migration given that they have often blocked attempts to switch off the analogue signals. In essence, this research concludes that notwithstanding the deadline, the activities to effect the migration and promises for more and better quality programming, the country and its citizens are not yet ready for digitisation