Econet subsidiary Kwesé today announced the launch of video-on-demand (VOD) streaming service, Kwesé Play, as the centerpiece in its new Kenyan broadcasting strategy, and a first in Kenya.
The new VoD service will deliver the fastest streaming services in Africa, offering diverse VOD content in Kenya: from global video-on-demand providers including Roku, Netflix, Kwesé iflix, YouTube, TED, and RedBull TV.
“Kwesé Play will offer the ultimate entertainment experience for viewers looking for diversity and choice,” said Kennedy Ojung’a General Manager at Kwesé.
The launch comes as VOD services and the streaming of content over the internet grow in popularity across Africa, with urban consumers shifting rapidly towards over-the-top (OTT) services.
“Broadcast consumption habits are shifting throughout Africa, as they are worldwide, driving our own change in emphasis, with traditional pay TV losing position and on-demand services moving to the fore as a consumer choice,” said Ojung’a.
As a result, Kwesé last month discontinued some channels on satellite to make way for the digital offering. The leading multiplatform broadcast network now has 15 channels on satellite, which subscribers pay a flat rate of Sh 580 (inc VAT) per year. It also has the free-to-air Sports, which has been a core product since its inception, and recently launched Kwesé iflix.
Using fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) high-speed internet connectivity, the VoD service will leverage its existing relationships with leading mobile network operators in Kenya and across Africa to deliver seamless viewing on home fixed broadband networks.
“We aim to provide the best in VOD content using superior data networks to deliver our world-class content. Having signed strategic partnerships with the best in IPTV hardware, the best in international content” said Ojung’a.
The new service will offer viewers the latest TV series, movies, documentaries, kids’ programs, sports and entertainment programming.