Historic Upgrade: Kenya Digital Sound Broadcasting Trial Signals Powerful Shift in Radio Future

Kenya Digital Sound Broadcasting has officially entered a new phase following the launch of the country’s first Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) trial in Nairobi, marking a decisive step toward modernizing radio transmission infrastructure. The pilot, unveiled by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) as the world marks World Radio Day 2026, positions Kenya among a growing list of countries testing next-generation radio technologies to improve audio quality and expand broadcast capacity.

The shift comes at a critical time for the sector. FM frequencies in major urban areas are saturated, particularly within VHF Band II (87.5–108.0 MHz), limiting space for new broadcasters, increasing signal interference, and constraining audio quality. “With this deployment, Kenya joins a growing community of countries adopting or conducting digital radio trials as the next frontier in sound broadcasting,” the Authority said, adding that it will collaborate with regional bodies to ensure harmonized standards that enhance interoperability and investment.

Kenya Digital Sound Broadcasting Trial Targets FM Saturation and Spectrum Efficiency

The Kenya Digital Sound Broadcasting initiative is anchored on Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus (DAB+), a technology designed to deliver clearer sound, minimize interference, and enable multiple radio services to operate on a single frequency block. Unlike traditional FM transmission, DAB+ improves spectrum efficiency by consolidating several stations onto one multiplex channel. This creates room for more broadcasters while reducing transmission costs over time.

Sound broadcasting remains one of Kenya’s most influential media platforms, reaching approximately 98 per cent of households and supporting nearly 300 licensed services. However, congestion within FM bands in urban centers such as Nairobi has increasingly constrained sector growth. To address these limitations, the CA developed a Digital Sound Broadcasting framework in 2023. The framework prioritizes DAB+ within VHF Band III (174–230 MHz) and Digital Radio Mondiale in the HF band (30 MHz). Stakeholder consultations included broadcasters, signal distributors, equipment vendors, government agencies, and industry associations.

In 2025, the regulator authorised Signet Signal Distributors Ltd and Mast Rental Services Ltd to deploy trial networks. In January 2026, Mast Rental Services became the first operator to activate a DAB+ trial network, currently transmitting 14 radio programmes across Nairobi.

Kenya Digital Sound Broadcasting Expected to Reshape Broadcaster Economics

The Kenya Digital Sound Broadcasting trial is expected to generate structural benefits for both broadcasters and listeners. For broadcasters, digital transmission allows separation between content provision and signal distribution. This model lowers infrastructure barriers, potentially reducing operational costs and encouraging new entrants, including community-based stations. It also enables broadcasters to focus on content development rather than capital-intensive transmission infrastructure. For listeners, DAB+ promises significantly improved audio clarity, reduced interference, and broader programming diversity. The technology also supports value-added services such as station information, program metadata, and potential data-based enhancements.

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Importantly, the CA has clarified that the DSB rollout will initially complement — not replace — existing FM services. No analogue switch-off date has been set, ensuring continuity for audiences while voluntary adoption builds gradually. The trial will run for 12 months, during which the regulator will assess signal coverage, quality of service, receiver affordability, and public uptake. Public awareness campaigns will also be conducted to drive informed adoption.

“The Authority shall conduct monitoring and evaluation of the network over the 12-month trial deployment period to ensure adequate signal coverage, good quality of service, affordable receivers, and public education to drive voluntary uptake,” the CA said. Industry analysts view the trial as a foundational move rather than an immediate transformation. “Digital migration in broadcasting is a long-term play,” says a Nairobi-based telecommunications policy expert. “The real test will be affordability of receivers and whether advertisers follow audiences onto digital platforms.”

If successfully implemented, Kenya Digital Sound Broadcasting could unlock spectrum efficiency, stimulate media innovation, and reinforce the country’s standing as a regional communications leader.