Zee Entertainment Africa Launches First Free-to-Air Television Channel, Zee Dunia, in Kenya
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Zee Entertainment Africa, a leading multinational media conglomerate, has introduced its first Free-to-Air (FTA) television channel, Zee Dunia, to the Kenyan market. This marks the company’s expansion into Africa’s FTA media landscape, making it the first multinational corporation (MNC) to provide such a service on the continent.
Zee Dunia is expected to offer viewers a convenient and affordable way to access premium entertainment content, including movies, series, and lifestyle programming, diversifying entertainment options for growing audiences in Kenya and beyond.
Commitment to Local Talent and Industry Growth
“As part of our longstanding legacy of excellence in production and innovation, we are dedicated to supporting and empowering creatives through collaboration and content diversification, incorporating local elements. We have invested heavily in distribution to enhance our reach and contribute to the growth and development of the media and entertainment economy,” said Somnath Malakar, Chief Executive Officer at Zee Entertainment – Africa & Indian Ocean Islands.
Zee Entertainment’s expansion into Kenya underscores its confidence in the country’s thriving entertainment industry, one of the most advanced in the region. In addition to providing high-quality content, Zee aims to enhance local production capacity and nurture Kenyan creative talent.
Strategic Market Entry and Nationwide Reach
Vice President East Africa, Zee Entertainment Africa – Neha Sharma, emphasized that Kenya’s evolving media space and robust content creation industry influenced the company’s decision to launch its first FTA channel in the market.
“This is a significant milestone in our commitment to the industry. We are excited to offer holistic family viewing, bringing diverse and engaging programming to households across the nation. At the same time, we are investing in Kenyan talent and resources to drive wider economic progress. Zee Dunia will ensure strong visibility and access with a distribution network spanning 41 sites nationwide via PANG and Signet,” Sharma stated.
Beyond entertainment, Zee Dunia is also committed to amplifying Kenyan voices by providing a platform for emerging creators and established professionals to grow within the industry.
Economic Impact and Cultural Contribution
Presidential Economic Advisor, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, highlighted the economic benefits of Zee Dunia’s launch, stating:
“The entry of Zee Dunia into the market will create additional opportunities, contributing to job creation for media professionals, content creators, and production companies operating in Kenya. By providing family-friendly content, Zee Dunia will also play a vital role in fostering social cohesion and enhancing cultural understanding across Kenya’s diverse communities.”
With Kenya’s substantial television audience, Zee Dunia aims to attract a broad demographic through its award-winning content. The channel will join a competitive market of over 60 FTA channels available on various linear and digital platforms.
Expanding Zee Entertainment’s Presence in Kenya
Zee Entertainment Africa already has an established presence in Kenya through pay-TV providers such as DSTV and StarTimes. The company was founded in 1996 by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, with its headquarters in Johannesburg. Today, it broadcasts across over 50 territories in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, reaching more than 50 million viewers.
With Zee Dunia’s launch, Kenyan audiences can now enjoy a new, high-quality, and accessible entertainment experience tailored to diverse tastes and preferences.
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