By Hyline Ocharo
Kenya has taken a bold step into the future of radio with the rollout of its first trial Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) services in Nairobi.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) announced the activation on Friday, coinciding with World Radio Day.
Radio remains one of the country’s most powerful media platforms, reaching 98% of households and supporting over 300 licensed services.
Yet FM frequencies in the VHF Band II are saturated, limiting growth and compromising audio quality.
To address this, the CA developed a framework in 2023 for digital broadcasting, focusing on Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) in VHF Band III and Digital Radio Mondiale in the HF band.
In 2025, two licensees—Signet Signal Distributors Ltd and Mast Rental Services Ltd—were authorised to deploy trial networks.
Mast Rental became the first operator to launch a DAB+ trial in January 2026, carrying 14 radio programmes across Nairobi.
“The activation of the Digital Sound Broadcasting Signal marks a key milestone for sound broadcasting in Kenya,” the Authority stated.
The new system promises wider coverage, lower barriers to entry, and reduced transmission costs.
By separating content provision from signal distribution, broadcasters can focus on compelling programming while community stations gain affordable access.
For listeners, digital radio means “clearer sound, reduced harmful interference, and a wider choice of programming,” the CA noted.
Consumers can expect niche, regional, and thematic services, alongside value‑added features such as programme and station information.
The trial will run for 12 months, with monitoring to ensure strong signal coverage, affordable receivers, and public education.
The CA emphasized that DSB will initially complement — not replace — existing FM services.
No analogue switch-off date has been set, ensuring continuity for listeners as the country gradually rolls out digital radio.
The rollout will begin along the Mombasa–Nairobi–Kisumu corridor and other major population centres.
The Authority plans to monitor and evaluate the trial network over a 12-month period, focusing on signal coverage, quality of service, affordability of receivers and public awareness to encourage voluntary uptake.
With the deployment, Kenya joins a growing number of countries testing or adopting digital radio as the next frontier in sound broadcasting, with the regulator pledging to work with regional bodies to support harmonized standards and investment.