KBC says it’s coming back “bigger and better”

National broadcaster KBC has announced that that it is in the process of finalizing a transformative strategy that will revamp its services.

The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) management in a statement to newsrooms on October 23 was categorical that once the implementation is complete, the station will be competitive.

However this is not the first time that KBC is re-launching with the promise of tweaking its programming and offering comprehensive news coverage.

The broadcaster has rebranded from VOK to KBC and then to KBC Channel 1, attempts which did not yield much fruit as it still lags behind Citizen TV, NTV, KTN News, KTN and K24 in ratings.

Financial woes also continue to plague the broadcaster with former top managers accused of embezzling funds.

In 2016, there was also a proposal by the government to split the broadcaster into two to balance its public information role and commercial interests.

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KBC also refuted claims that it has slashed salaries of its employees which led to the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) to call for a strike on October 21.

The broadcaster also denied claims of non-remittance of statutory deductions, embezzlement of resources and non-renewal of insurance schemes for its employees.

Everylyne Mwakina, the national broadcaster’s corporate communications manager stressed that KBC has been in constant communication with the Communications Workers Union of Kenya (COWU) , the body which represents their staff adding that the contentious issues have been resolved amicably.

“We can confirm that the salaries of our staff have not been slashed nor does the corporation intend to review the salaries downwards as it was alleged,” read the statement.

KBC also said that it has put in place plans to clear all outstanding balances/ pending payments of statutory as well as sacco deductions with the relevant bodies with the view of settling the matter once and for all.

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The state broadcaster also explained that the previous medical scheme had lapsed and has in turn identified the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as a new service provider adding that the contract has already been signed.