In the near future, radio signals in Kenya will no longer be transmitted through the traditionally Frequency Modulation(FM) and Amplitude Modulation(AM) in the wake of the digital era.

The government is planning to shift radio transmission to advanced digital audio platforms. This move is aimed at modernizing the country’s communication structure.

According to the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) is in the final stages of implementing this much anticipated shift.

This shift has been necessitated by the fact that FM bandwidth are limited, which is not the case with the digital transmission system. The country has a total of 227 radio station all of which rely on the FM transmission system.

“Meanwhile, in the broadcasting sector, the Authority is finalizing a regulatory framework for digital sound broadcasting, an initiative designed to tackle the increasing scarcity of FM spectrum and facilitate smoother adoption of digital audio technologies,” the Ministry said in a statement.

“These reforms mark a pivotal step in Kenya’s journey toward a modern, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital economy.”

What the digital broadcasting system offers

The shift from FM/AM will see radio stations broadcast through  systems such as Digital Audio Broadcasting, Online Radio(using apps and websites) and satellite radio.

With the digital broadcasting system, listeners will get to enjoy better sound quality and have more station choices. Furthermore, they will be able to access song information, get live updates and emergency alerts.

To be able to listen to radio through digital broadcast, a listener will however require to have a smart phone and other internet enabled devices or digital receiver.

What challenges are likely to be encountered

One of the challenges that is likely to be encountered in the digital broadcasting System is a drop in listenership. This is because not everybody might be able to afford the digital receivers that are likely to be costly, especially for low income earners and those in rural areas.

Aside from that, for the new system to work, the country has to keep investing in internet connectivity in all areas.

Broadcasters will also be required to undergo trainings to gain skills in managing and adopting the digital broadcasting system. Proper public education on the digital system will be essential for Kenyans to understand benefits of digital radio and how to access it.

Although the official date for the shift is yet to be publicized, broadcasters are encouraged to begin preparing for the transition by exploring digital broadcasting options and upgrading their infrastructure.

The Communication Authority is set to release detailed migration timeline and policy roadmap in the coming months.