Kenya has officially taken its first major step into the future of sound broadcasting by activating a trial for digital radio services in Nairobi.
This milestone, announced by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) on today, coincides with the global celebration of World Radio Day.
Journalists across Kenya celebrated World Radio Day 2026 under the theme “Radio and AI: Innovation that Empowers, Ethics that Inspire, Trust that Endures,” focusing on how to integrate emerging technologies into the nation’s most trusted medium.
The regulator noted that lthough sound broadcasting remains one of the nation’s most critical media platforms—reaching approximately 98% of homes and supporting 300 licensed services—the move addresses a growing technical crisis.
“Specifically, traditional FM frequencies in VHF Band II (87.5–108.0 MHz) have become “saturated” in major coverage areas, leading to increased interference and relatively poor audio quality for listeners,” CA noted.
The transition began in earnest in 2023 when the Authority developed a framework for Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB), focusing on Digital Audio Broadcasting in VHF Band III (174–230 MHz) and Digital Radio Mondiale in the HF band (30 MHz).
Following extensive stakeholder engagement, the CA granted authorization in 2025 to two licensees, Signet Signal Distributors Ltd and Mast Rental Services Ltd, to deploy trial networks.
Consequently, in January 2026, Mast Rental became the first operator to deploy a DAB+ trial network, which currently carries 14 radio programmes within the Nairobi coverage area.
This shift is expected to offer significant advantages for both broadcasters and investors by providing wider coverage and lower barriers to entry.
By separating content provision from signal distribution, the new system allows broadcasters to focus on “compelling content” while the ability to carry multiple services on a single channel lowers transmission costs.
Furthermore, the framework creates space for new entrants, including community broadcasters, by providing reserved capacity at “nominal carriage costs”.
For the average consumer, this technology promises clearer sound, reduced interference, and a far wider choice of “niche, regional and thematic services,” alongside potential value-added data like station information.
Looking ahead, the DSB technology is intended to initially “complement, not replace, existing FM services”.
Crucially, no analogue switch-off date has been set, ensuring continuity for all listeners as digital platforms are rolled out in phases, starting with the Mombasa–Nairobi–Kisumu corridor.
The Authority will now conduct a 12-month monitoring and evaluation period to ensure adequate signal coverage, affordable receivers, and public education.
By joining the global frontier of digital radio, Kenya aims to work with regional bodies to support harmonized approaches that “enhance interoperability and investment”.