When a new product is launched in the market, counterfeits proliferate the market at a relatively lower price. Gullible Kenyans unaware of the trap, end up purchasing these products which become ineffective with time.
The great digital switchoff slotted for the end of this month has seen some conmen enter the market with lowly-priced set top boxes that Kenyans are running for. However, ahead of the looming phase 1 analogue television switch off set for December 31, the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has warned Kenyans to only purchase set-top boxes that have been given a nod by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK).
Speaking during the StarTimes digital migration public forum, COFEK secretary general Stephen Mutoro urged Kenyans to be careful in purchasing decoders to beat the deadline by conducting ‘prudent background check’ on the quality of specific set-top box brands before making a decision. “We urge Kenyans to look out for set top boxes that meet the minimum specifications for the Kenyan market to avoid disappointments thereafter,” he said.
StarTimes organised the forum to train members of public on how to set up the boxes and benefits of digital switch off. The lobby also urged all service providers to lower the cost of set top boxes so that all Kenyans can access them especially the free-to-air ones. CAK director-general Francis Wangusi assured the public of availability of enough set-top boxes in the country and urged other service providers to continue educating the public on the benefits of the migration.
“We are ready to partner with service providers to create consumer awareness on the digital migration,” noted Wangusi, adding that CAK will launch its public awareness programme on Monday next week. “The consumer awareness programme will start in Nairobi and we’ll roll it to other counties ahead of the nationwide switch-off in March 2015.”
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