Kenya launches first trial digital Radio Network in Nairobi

Kenya has taken a significant step towards the future of radio after the Communications Authority of Kenya facilitated the activation of the country’s first trial Digital Sound Broadcasting network in Nairobi.

The milestone comes as the world marks World Radio Day 2026, underscoring the continued importance of sound broadcasting in the country.

In a press release, the Authority said radio remains one of Kenya’s most influential media platforms, reaching an estimated 98 per cent of homes and supporting about 300 licensed broadcast services.

Despite this wide reach, the regulator noted growing challenges within the FM broadcasting space.

“FM frequencies in VHF Band II (87.5–108.0 MHz) are saturated in major coverage areas,” the Authority said.

The congestion has limited opportunities for new broadcasters while contributing to increased interference and relatively poor audio quality.

To address these constraints, the Authority developed a Digital Sound Broadcasting framework in 2023.

The framework primarily focuses on Digital Audio Broadcasting in VHF Band III (174–230 MHz) and Digital Radio Mondiale in the HF band.

According to the Authority, the policy direction was shaped through stakeholder engagement involving broadcasters, signal distributors, equipment vendors, government agencies and industry associations.

In 2025, the regulator granted authorisation to Signet Signal Distributors Ltd and Mast Rental Services Ltd to deploy trial networks for Digital Sound Broadcasting.

In January 2026, Mast Rental Services Ltd became the first operator to roll out a DAB+ trial network.

The network currently carries 14 radio programmes within the Nairobi coverage area.

The Authority described the activation of the Digital Sound Broadcasting signal as a key milestone for Kenya’s broadcasting sector.

It said broadcasters and investors stand to benefit from wider coverage, lower barriers to entry and new revenue opportunities.

“By separating content provision from signal distribution, broadcasters can focus on compelling content to serve the diverse needs of consumers,” the Authority said.

The regulator added that the ability to carry multiple services on a single channel is expected to lower transmission costs.

This, it said, will also create space for new entrants, including community broadcasters.

For consumers, the Authority said digital radio will offer clearer sound, reduced harmful interference and a wider choice of programming.

Listeners are also expected to benefit from increased content diversity, including niche, regional and thematic services.

The technology may further support value-added data services such as programme and station information.

“Over time, through the framework, the Authority aims to substantially expand the number and variety of services,” the regulator said.

This includes the introduction of digital-only stations serving diverse communities.

The Authority clarified that Digital Sound Broadcasting technology will initially complement, rather than replace, existing FM services.

“No analogue switchoff date has been set,” the Authority said.

The move is intended to ensure continuity for listeners as digital platforms are rolled out in phases.

The initial expansion will prioritise the Mombasa–Nairobi–Kisumu corridor and other major population centres.

To assess performance, the Authority said it will conduct monitoring and evaluation of the network over a 12-month trial deployment period.

The review will focus on signal coverage, quality of service, affordability of receivers and public education.

The regulator said public awareness will be critical in driving voluntary uptake of digital radio services.

“With this deployment, Kenya joins a growing community of countries adopting or conducting digital radio trials,” the Authority said.

The Authority added that Kenya will work with regional bodies to support harmonised approaches that enhance interoperability and investment.

The transition to Digital Sound Broadcasting is seen as part of broader efforts to modernise Kenya’s communications and broadcasting landscape.

Industry players have long raised concerns over spectrum scarcity, particularly in urban centres where demand for frequencies continues to rise.

The trial phase is expected to provide critical insights into technical performance, consumer response and commercial viability.

Regulators say the experience will help shape future policy decisions on the country’s digital radio migration.

For now, authorities maintain that both analogue and digital platforms will coexist, allowing broadcasters and audiences time to adapt to the evolving technology.