The local media will rely on a signal from DStv to broadcast the inauguration of President-elect William Ruto to their viewers, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has confirmed.
Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua will take the oath of office in a televised event set to be held at the Kasarani stadium on Tuesday, September 13.
Local media pick signal from DStv Channel 197
In a statement to newsrooms on Monday, MCK CEO David Omwoyo said MultiChoice Kenya, through DStv Channel 197, will provide content from the proceedings, from where the media will pick signals.
The media regulator also confirmed that a number of journalists have been accredited to ‘facilitate coordinated and professional coverage of the event’.
“All accredited journalists and media practitioners, including radio and independent content producers, will be granted access to the venue,” Omwoyo said adding that all journalists and media practitioners covering the event should be at the venue by 6:00 am.
“A media centre will be operational next to Gate 3. Additionally, there will be a designated area for camerapersons and photographers to facilitate their work. Ushers will be at hand to guide journalists and media practitioners to the respective areas.”
MEDIA ADVISORY: Coverage of The Presidential Inauguration Ceremony and free access to satellite signal for media.
— Media Council of Kenya (@MediaCouncilK) September 12, 2022
.@MoICTKenya .@MultiChoiceGRP
Find link: https://t.co/7av9Kj1b9v pic.twitter.com/n46DcsTO1d
The statement comes amid reports that the local media had been barred from covering the event, excluding state broadcaster KBC.
At least 20 heads of state are expected to grace the event.
Speaking to members of the press on Sunday, Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho also noted that 60,000 Kenyans will attend the event.
“We will have limited invitations of 2,500 VIPs on the dais. We have confirmations from presidents and heads of state across Africa totalling 20 in number,” Kibicho said.
“We will have all the protocols associated with visiting heads of state ready by foreign affairs and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and all those people who are concerned with the arrival of dignitaries.”
Additionally, Kibicho, a member of the Assumption of the Office of President Committee, noted that members of the public who wish to attend the event would be expected to have settled at the stadium by 7.00 am.
