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Tag: KBC Managing Director Agnes Kalekye

  • KBC calls for regional collaboration in digital broadcasting shift

    KBC calls for regional collaboration in digital broadcasting shift

    The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) has underscored the need for African broadcasters to embrace honesty, collaboration and innovation as the media industry undergoes digital transformation. 

    Speaking during the Africa Broadcasters Conference in Nairobi,  KBC Managing Director Agnes Kalekye highlighted that for AI to serve Africa, it must reflect African realities, languages and cultures.

    “Africa must not simply consume AI technologies developed elsewhere. We must actively participate in building, training, and owning solutions that respond to our unique contexts and aspirations. This is where regional collaboration becomes essential,” noted Kalekye.

    While acknowledging the major shift AI represents in broadcasting, the KBC MD noted that the national broadcaster’s vision is to become a digital-first, AI-enabled public broadcaster that balances innovation with inclusivity, and technology with trust.

    “Artificial Intelligence now represents the next major shift in broadcasting. At KBC, we view AI not as a disruption to fear, but as an opportunity to lead,” she said.

    Adding that: “Our vision at KBC is clear: to become a digital-first, AI-enabled public broadcaster that balances innovation with inclusivity, and technology with trust. We are not preparing for the future. We are already living in it.”

    At the same time, she acknowledged that KBC has not yet launched a full OTT platform, saying broadcasters must openly confront the realities of monetisation, cloud migration and digital sustainability.

    Kalekye emphasised that digital transformation is no longer optional, highlighting KBC’s Signet platform, which currently supports more than 70 television and radio stations through over 40 transmission sites nationwide.

    Further she noted that the broadcaster is also collaborating with the Communications Authority of Kenya on Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus (DAB+) technology aimed at easing frequency congestion and expanding broadcasting access.

    “We are also making significant progress toward Digital Sound Broadcasting through DAB+ technology in collaboration with the Communications Authority of Kenya. This transition is helping address frequency congestion in our major cities while creating room for more broadcasters and more diverse content,” she said.

    She lauded Nation Media Group and Royal Media Services for taking bold steps into digital streaming as well as iROKOtv and Africa Magic in Nigeria noting that they have shown us that local stories can build massive audiences not by imitating hollywood but by being unapologetically African.

    “In South Africa, MultiChoice and Showmax proved that hybrid models work. Linear TV and OTT together, not fighting each other. One foot in the old world, one foot in the new,” she added.

    “Even global players like Netflix and Disney+ have taught us something: when we package our stories with quality and care, the world watches,” Kalekye said.

     

     

     

  • KBC taps Huduma Centres to reach wananchi

    KBC taps Huduma Centres to reach wananchi

    Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and the Huduma Kenya Secretariat have signed an agreement that will see KBC services now taken closer to the public through the Huduma Centre platforms.

    Speaking during the event, Public Investments and Assets Management Principal Secretary Cyrell Odede noted that the partnership that begins with Huduma Kenya Makadara Centre will be rolled out across the 47 counties within the next year.

    He said the initiative is part of broader government efforts to strengthen access to information and improve service delivery through integrated public platforms.

    “The Huduma Kenya one-stop-shop model has transformed public service delivery by making services more accessible, efficient and citizen-centred, consistently achieving a high level of customer satisfaction,” the PS said.

    Odede further noted that the government is supporting KBC’s transformation as it undergoes significant restructuring.

    “Following its transition into a government-owned enterprise, KBC is undergoing significant restructuring. The government is actively supporting KBC transformation, through infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of comprehensive turnaround strategy aimed at enhancing efficiency and competitiveness,” said PS Odede.

    “The National Treasury recognises and appreciates the efforts being made by KBC to fulfil its mandate despite existing challenges. I assure the corporation of government’s continued support as it transitions into a fully fledged government enterprise,” he added.

    On his part, KBC Board Chairman, Tom Mshindi said the partnership signifies a new phase in public communication and citizen engagement.

    “And you can multiply that to get a sense of the universe that this relationship opens for us,” Mshindi said, describing the collaboration as transformative for government communication.

    Mshindi emphasized that the partnership will help improve government outreach across key sectors.

    “The work of making these services starts now, making sure people are aware of these services and are encouraged to use them,” said Mshindi.

    He added that the initiative will support communication in key sectors including agriculture, education, and health, while also strengthening public awareness campaigns and bookings for government services.

    At the same time, the KBC Managing Director Agnes Kalekye said the national broadcaster is also embracing digital transformation to improve access to services.

    “Through this partnership you can walk into any Huduma Kenya across the country and book an advertisement with KBC,” the MD said.

    “We are integrating with e-citizen to make more requests. We are also exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make the process faster because your time matters,” she added.