Remember TV Africa, a Kenyan based company, will be the local distributor of My TV Africa, a digital satellite television provider based in Dubai. Although the satellite pay TV service has been operational in 10 Sub-Saharan Africa countries since 2006 through Intelsat 10 satellite, Kenya is its latest base. At the launch by Dr. Bitange Ndemo, Information and Communications Permanent Secretary, the company unveiled introductory offers to Kenyan subscribers. Its focus will be on family entertainment programmes. “Today’s family members are entitled to affordable entertainment that cuts across entire society and provides unequalled balanced programmes for all ages,” said Mr Michael Waweru, the Managing Director of Remember TV Africa Ltd.“My TV is a super family entertainer and is committed to bringing into Kenyan homes quality programmes that are of value.” Dr. Ndemo urged local television stations to invest more in Satellite DTH and join other international players to help Kenyan nationals enjoy programmes like other parts of the world. “Our Kenyan youth are well talented and it is important when such openings come by to try and seize every opportunity of the new advancement in technology for the benefit of our countrymen,” he said. “To the artists this is a pretty good chance to develop programmes for local consumptionas well as for export; this will also boost Kenya’s image abroad.” At the same time, with the communication sector having experienced a significant growth in the last ten years, following its liberalisation and enabling environment created by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), the Satellite television is expected to be successful, primarily because of its ability to cover vast and more sparsely populated areas in countries like Kenya and the rest of East Africa. My TV Africa broadcasts will be both in English and French. The service will be offered in one-tier full bouquet that includes sports channels, children entertainment, movies, women and lifestyle. “We will empower dealers countrywide by making them partners in the business,” said Mr. Waweru. He noted challenges like having at times weak signals especially in remote villages where infrastructure is not fully developed, but insisted the company will invest in having smooth reception. Dr. Ndemo underscored the government’s commitment to promote local programmes as it gears for the switch from analogue to digital broadcasting. He said pay-TV stations would be encouraged to incorporate local programmes to create market for local content. “Enabling accessibility is a continuous process at My TV, in line with our vision to provide the African family with an affordable pay television service with relevant programming,” said Mr. Bahjat Mirza, My TV General Manager. Approved My TV receiving equipment is also compatible with encryption satellite or terrestrial systems used by other operators. Remember Africa began operations last year just before GTV, the then second largest pay television company, went under. The company is now looking to occupy that slot, by investing more intoprogramming, and having a countrywide reach.In addition Mr. Waweru said they will be keen on affordable pricing, increasing the number of dealers, as well as empowering them to manage their subscribers. “We will also assist dealers in technical matters and after sales services. This isdesigned to provide convenient delivery to homes across the country,” said Mr. Waweru. “We appeal to the local stations to join our platform that is shared by many countries in Africa; and move Kenya to another level as a source of news and entertainment,” said the managing director.