StartTimes media is set to launch a Ksh. 6.9 billion headquarters in Kenya that will also cater for the rest of Africa as well as double up for the Dubbing Center for Film and Broadcast Television in Kenya.
During the ground bre
aking ceremony held in Karen today, the company which marked its entry into the Kenyan market in 2009 revealed the completion date of the project for 2015.
This latest development is StarTime’s key investment in Africa and one likely to have a major positive impact on the country’s economy as more multinationals continue to grow their confidence in the country through set up of hub offices in Kenya.
During the event, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture Dr. Hassan Wario congratulated StarTimes Media for this milestone noting that the Government remains committed to progressively ease the way of doing business in the country key in attracting increased foreign direct investment and subsequently improving the lives of Kenyans.
“I wish to commend StarTimes Media for this bold step, it is trend setting seeing that the headquarters will not only house your Africa operations, but also include a production centre that will see the growth of local productions and talents. The Government will continue to initiate efforts geared towards ensuring businesses flourish in their operations through such efforts as policy and infrastructure development.” Observed Dr. Wario.
According to the Group’s President Mr. Pang Xinxing, the decision to set up the Africa base in the country was advised by the sound investment environment in the country, a strong economy and the Government’s commitment towards attracting increased foreign direct investment. Mr. Pang equally noted the company’s role in promoting economic and social transformation in the country as StarTimes seeks to stamp its commitment to the Kenyan and Africa subscribers at large.
“Since establishing our operations in Kenya, we have found a cordial operating environment that has facilitated the growth of our business. The Kenyan subscribers have equally shown an insatiable appetite for affordable digital television service, this has seen increased uptake of our service which has gone a long way in giving us confidence to set up our Africa operations in the country,” said Mr. Pang.
The premise will cover 20,000 ㎡ in Karen, Nairobi and is expected to cost Ksh 6.9 Billion. The Base will see the setup of six units including StarTimes African Headquarter, StarTimes Kenya offices, a Film and Television Dubbing Center, StarTimes Broadcast Station, Digital TV research and development centre as well as a Training Center. Upon completion, this will equally become a complete production centre of clip selecting, dubbing, broadcasting and copyright trading.
Speaking during the ground breaking event, Mr Pang Xinxing emphasized the company will endeavor to work closely with the Kenyan Government and all stakeholders to grow the broadcasting sector key in bringing the latest technologies in the industry as a means to further boost access to information,’’ he said.
The ground breaking ceremony at Karen in Nairobi took place alongside the official launch of the Beijing Television Series Exhibition a series of programmes meant to expose top Chinese films and documentaries to African media and audience with the aim of promoting film and increased understanding of Chinese culture in Africa.
StarTimes has established the digital television network in ten (10) African countries so far where the company offers access to premium local and international channels of all genres including news, movies, sports, entertainment, music and documentaries.
The Digital Pay Tv provider will also be launching two new channels; Star Sport2 in July and Star Swahili in August.
Also present during the ground breaking ceremony was the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Mr Liu Xianfa amongst other key dignitaries from both China and Kenya.