Digital Radio Era Begins: CA Activates Kenya’s First DSB Trial in Nairobi
The CA launched Kenya’s first digital radio trial in Nairobi, using DAB+ to provide clearer audio and 14 new programmes...
✨ Key Highlights
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has initiated Kenya’s first trial of Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) in Nairobi, marking a significant shift in the country's media landscape. This move, coinciding with World Radio Day 2026, aims to alleviate severe frequency congestion and introduce high-fidelity audio to listeners.
- Over 300 licensed radio services have saturated the VHF Band II (87.5–108.0 MHz) in urban areas, prompting this digital transition.
- The CA's framework focuses on DAB+ in VHF Band III (174–230 MHz) and DRM in the HF band (30 MHz).
- Mast Rental Services Ltd, one of two authorized licensees, has launched a DAB+ trial network carrying 14 radio programs in Nairobi.
- The shift promises "CD-quality" sound, reduced transmission costs for broadcasters, and new revenue streams, with a phased rollout ensuring no immediate analogue switch-off.
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TikTok Removes Videos, CA Trials Digital Radio, and Canal+ Alters DStv Content in Kenya - February 2026
TikTok removed over 580,000 videos in Kenya during Q3 2025 for violating its community guidelines, as detailed in its latest enforcement report which highlighted the use of automated systems. In a separate development, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) initiated the country's first trial of Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) in Nairobi. This trial, launched on World Radio Day 2026, aims to alleviate severe frequency congestion and introduce high-fidelity audio. Meanwhile, Kenyan DStv subscribers missed the Winter Olympics 2026. This was because Canal+'s acquisition of MultiChoice shifted all content acquisition decisions from SuperSport to Canal+ headquarters in Paris, France.
