Gachagua Turns To China In Bid To Revamp KBC

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday, August 17 held discussions with the President of the Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua of China in the latest efforts to revamp the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

The meeting took place at the DP's Karen residence and was in line with the government's plans of rebooting the national broadcaster's operations.

According to Gachagua, information, education, and communication remain paramount roles of the media, thus the government's exploration of a partnership with Xinhua News Agency.

DP Rigathi Gachagua with the President of the Xinhua News Agency, of China Fu Hua and other officials at the Karen residence on August 17, 2023. /RIGATHI GACHAGUA

"To support our development Agenda through the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, we are exploring a partnership with the Chinese State Media, Xinhua News Agency for good practices.

"Earlier today, I held discussions with the President of the Xinhua News Agency, of China Fu Hua, on enhancing cooperation in areas of data reporting, leveraging technology like artificial intelligence and other innovations to tell impactful stories," stated Gachagua.

He termed the collaboration as a boost in the transfer of knowledge and skills besides stories on economic opportunities in the two countries.

"Among other issues, this will further cement the bilateral ties we have enjoyed for 60 years," he added.

KBC rose to prominence following the Supreme Court's confirmation of President William Ruto's election victory, surprising the likes of KTN Home, KTN News, Inooro TV and K24 TV while growing its viewership sporadically between 2021 and 2022.

A report by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) titled State of Kenya's Media in 2022 released on Monday, February 13 showed that KBC rose from just 3 per cent in 2021 to 12 per cent in 2022.

In 2022, KBC tied with NTV at 12 per cent and were both beaten to the top by Citizen TV, which remains the most-watched television station in the country. Standard Group Limited's KTN Home and KTN News followed with 11 per cent and 7 per cent respectively. 

Inooro TV was sixth with 6 per cent, K24 had a 5 per cent viewership while Ramogi TV rounded up the top eight with 3 per cent, more than a year after it was launched.

Whilst Citizen TV, according to the MCK's January 2023 analysis of the most-watched TV stations, remained top with 38 per cent, KBC was in the top four at 9 per cent, only beaten by KTN Home (12 per cent) and NTV (13 per cent).