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
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Subject
Digital MigrationDescription
Thesis Master of Arts in Communication Studies