Kenyans will have to buy new television sets as those currently in use will be rendered obsolete in the next few years, the Government announced on Thursday.

The move follows a decision by the Government to switch from analogue (old technology) to digital (new technology) transmission of signals in the broadcasting sector by 2012.

Information and Communication minister Mutahi Kagwe said the process, aimed at improving broadcasting services in the country, will soon be implemented.

"The technology will require that Kenyans acquire new television sets in the long run to benefit from the technology which is also being adopted by other countries," said Mr Kagwe at his Teleposta Towers office in Nairobi.

However, Mr Kagwe said the Government will offer reprieve for those who want to continue using their old television sets by making available an inter-phase gadget (set-top box) to convert digital transmission to analogue.

"But for Kenyans to fully benefit from advantages of digital technology, they will have to buy new television sets other than use the set-top box," he said.

Although digital television sets and set-top boxes are currently unavailable in Kenya, the minister said plans were being made to make them available for those who want to start preparing for the switch.

Mr Kagwe, who spoke after receiving a report from the task force appointed to study ways of switching from analogue to digital technology, said transition will be the biggest change in the broadcasting sector in the country.

He said it is not only Kenya which will be making the transition but also other countries will be expected to switch off their analogue transmissions by the stroke of midnight on June 17, 2015.

Decided changes

He said governments in the world had decided on the changes due to the benefits and efficiency of digital television.

He said the Government would also embark on streamlining the sector to help broadcasting stations engage in content development alone, leaving infrastructure development to other players.

"We are looking forward to a situation where broadcast stations will share towers, transmission sites, technical staff and other physical infrastructure," the minister said.

Task force chairman Daniel Obam called for the formation of an agency to coordinate the transition process to minimise disruptions in the sector.