The High Court is today, 20 December 2012, expected to give directions on December 31 analogue TV signal switch-off after the government side was given up to today to prepare itself.
The inter-parties hearing and initial directions of the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) case against 31st December analogue TV switch-off plan had been scheduled for hearing on 17th December 2012. This is after the consumer lobby group, Cofek, had filed a case under certificate of urgency seeking orders to prevent the government from effecting the December 31st deadline.
Cofek argues that the decision to switch off analogue television signal in Nairobi discriminated against Kenyans who cannot afford set-top boxes. Cofek further states that the government’s decision to switch off analogue transmission signal contravenes the doctrine of public participation embraced under Article 10 of the constitution.
Notice given to Nairobi residents to acquire set-top boxes, devices that decodes digital signal for viewing on analogue TV sets, was ill times given other demands such as Christmas spending and school fees in January, is just part of Cofek’s argument.
In support of Cofek is Media Owners Association who say that the set deadline should be extended. Media Owners Association Chairman Kiprono Kittony says the switch off will keep Kenyans away from accessing information included under the Bill of Rights.
Keep it here for court’s decision on the case.