Since the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) switched off analogue broadcasting, many Kenyans in the rural areas have been left in an information darkness.
Joel Odhiambo, a resident of Chulaimbo in Kisumu says that when the country went the digital broadcasting way, he has been cut off from television viewing.
The digital platform which provides plenty of crystal clear channels has left Odhiambo not even with a single channel which can allow him to keep abreast with the country’s current affairs from his Greatwall television set.
Speaking from his home in Chulaimbo, Odhiambo said that he was not able to watch television since he lacked a set top box which allows analogue television sets to display digital channels.
He said that even if he could afford to purchase a set top box, lack of electricity is a major problem.
“I am not connected to the national grid and I only have one car battery that used to power my TV. It is expensive for me to apply for electricity supply,” he said.
During the interview, one of Odhiambo’s children wondered if this writer had come to repair their television set which he thought was broken down as the conversation was centred on television.
“I don’t have a rational reason to give them explaining why they no longer watch TV. I tell them it is spoilt,” Odhiambo says.