The Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy has announced plans to revamp state broadcaster KBC.
In a report released on Monday by CS Eliud Owalo on the ministry's one years scorecard, a twin-pronged approach will be used to ensure the revamp.
This includes infrastructure upgrade and retooling, as well as review of KBC content and business model.
According to the report, Sh170 million has been set aside for modernising KBC's TV centre. This is an exercise that is ongoing.
"This is intended to improve both sound and signal quality and has been put to tender," it reads.
Another Sh120 million will be spent on the purchase of a TV Outside Broadcasting (OB) Van. Sh50 million will be spent on buying the same for Radio. The processes are ongoing.
The report said the government of Kenya is working in partnership with the Spanish government to upgrading Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting Infrastructure to enhance nationwide signal coverage.
The government also plans to move radio broadcast waves from the Medium Wave (MW) to FM.
Already FM transmitters have been installed in Marsabit, Lodwar, Webuye, Migori, Kapenguria, Bomet, Malindi, Nyambene, and Nyeri.
"Increase FM Radio coverage through the installation of 20 additional transmitters: 1st Batch of 10 transmitters have already been procured and is arriving in the country in September 2023."
The state also plans to take the broadcaster back into profitability by reviewing its business model and the content it airs.
To begin with, the state has negotiated World Rally Championship and the Kenya Premier League coverage for KBC.
They also seek to focus on more sponsorship.
CS Owalo has been very upbeat about reviving the state broadcaster since he was appointed into Cabinet by President William Ruto.
