In a landmark move coinciding with World Radio Day 2026, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has officially activated the country’s first trial of Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB). The launch in Nairobi marks a critical pivot in Kenya’s media landscape, aiming to resolve chronic frequency congestion and usher in a new era of high-fidelity audio.
For decades, Kenyan radio has been a lifeline for the public, reaching approximately 98% of households through over 300 licensed services. However, the success of the medium has led to its biggest challenge: the VHF Band II (87.5–108.0 MHz), where FM stations reside, is now effectively saturated in major urban areas. This “crowded air” has resulted in signal interference and capped the growth of new broadcasters.
The Tech Behind the Transition
Unlike traditional FM, which requires a dedicated frequency for every single station, DSB uses multiplexing technology. This allows multiple radio services to be bundled into a single frequency block. The CA’s framework, established in 2023, focuses on two primary standards:
- DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting): Operating in VHF Band III (174–230 MHz).
- DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale): Targeting the HF band (30 MHz).
In January 2026, Mast Rental Services Ltd became the first of two authorised licensees to deploy a DAB+ trial network. The network is already live, carrying 14 radio programmes across Nairobi. Signet Signal Distributors Ltd is the second licensee expected to roll out infrastructure during this trial phase.
Economic and Consumer Impacts
The shift to digital is expected to fundamentally restructure the broadcasting business model by separating content provision from signal distribution.
| Stakeholder | Key Benefits |
| Broadcasters | Lower transmission costs and reduced barriers to entry for niche or community stations. |
| Investors | New revenue streams through value-added data services and broader coverage. |
| Consumers | “CD-quality” sound, zero static/interference, and more diverse programming. |
For listeners, the benefits extend beyond audio. Digital radio can carry value-added data, such as station information, song titles, and programme guides, directly to the receiver’s display.
A Phased, Complementary Rollout
The CA has been careful to manage expectations regarding an “analogue switch-off.” Unlike the rapid digital TV migration of the previous decade, DSB will initially complement, not replace, FM services.
“No analogue switch-off date has been set, ensuring continuity for all listeners while digital platforms are rolled out in phases,” the Authority stated.
Following the 12-month trial in Nairobi, the rollout is expected to expand along the Mombasa–Nairobi–Kisumu corridor. During this period, the CA will monitor signal reliability, quality of service, and, crucially, the affordability of receivers. Currently, standard FM radios cannot receive DAB+ signals, meaning consumers will eventually need to purchase compatible devices or digital converters.
