Kenya has commenced testing digital radio broadcasting in Nairobi. The move is set to revolutionize the country’s radio industry. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) announced this on February 13, 2026, as the world celebrated World Radio Day.
Radio is one of the most trusted media platforms globally. It is widely used and reaches almost every home. However, in major towns of Kenya, FM radio frequencies are overcrowded. There is no room for new radio stations. Moreover, listeners face poor sound quality and interference. The regulator has come up with a plan to resolve this. The plan is to introduce Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB), which allows for better sound quality and more radio stations to operate on fewer frequencies.
The regulator has given two companies, Signet Signal Distributors Ltd and Mast Rental Services Ltd, permission to operate trial networks. The Authority gave this permission to the two companies in 2025. Mast Rental has become the first to switch on a DAB+ digital radio trial in Nairobi. It has commenced operations by carrying 14 radio stations within the city.
This is a major milestone in the development of the country’s broadcasting sector, the authorities say.
For radio owners, the advantages of digital radio will be the ability to reach more people at a cheaper price. Several radio stations will be able to use the same signal. This is a chance for many more radio stations to come into the market, including community radio stations.
For the listener, the main benefit will be the ability to hear programmes more clearly and the availability of more radio stations to listen to. Additionally, digital radio will be able to transmit extra information such as programme names and radio station names on the screen.
It is important to note that the regulator is not planning for digital radio to replace FM radio. There is no date set for the switch-off of analogue radio. In fact, the Authority is planning for the new technology to be used alongside FM radio as the country gradually expands the rollout from the capital city to other areas such as Mombasa and Kisumu.
The trial phase is scheduled for 12 months. During the period, the Authority will monitor the strength of the signals, the quality of the service, the availability of affordable digital radio receivers, as well as conducting public awareness campaigns.
With this step, Kenya joins other countries that are moving towards digital radio as the future of sound broadcasting.
