Multichoice Urges Kenyans to Promote Local Content

By Catherine Muema On Apr 5, 2024

L-R: Head of Programming, MultiChoice Africa Holdings East, West and Southern Africa, Timothy Okwaro, Public Relations Manager MultiChoice Kenya, Elisha Kamau, Capacity Development Officer, Kenya Film Commission, John Kyalo

By Shadrack Nyakoe

MultiChoice Kenya hosted a content showcase, urging Kenyans to support and promote local content. The event, held at The Windsor Golf & Country Club, highlighted the importance of embracing and growing locally produced content in the country.

Nzola Miranda, Managing Director of MultiChoice Kenya, emphasized the company’s commitment to showcasing the creativity and talent of Kenya.

She noted a noticeable shift in viewer preferences towards local productions, with several recent shows receiving recognition at prestigious awards ceremonies such as the Women in Film Awards and the Kalasha International TV & Film Market Festival & Awards.

Highlighted local shows included ‘Kam U Stay’ for Best TV Comedy, ‘Zari’ for Best TV Drama, and “The Death of a Kenyan Heiress” episode of ‘The Last Door’ by veteran journalist John Allan Namu, which won Best Documentary Feature.

Miranda stressed the opportunity to bolster the local content ecosystem by supporting locally produced shows, creating employment in the creative industry, and promoting cultural consumption. She cited Nigeria and Tanzania as leading examples in this regard, encouraging Kenyans to tap into this potential.

During the showcase, Miranda reiterated MultiChoice Kenya’s dedication to promoting Kenyan narratives globally and emphasized their substantial investments in local content, totaling over 500 hours annually.

Elisha Kamau, Public Relations Manager, echoed this commitment, stating their intent to continue telling local stories in their own language and style.

Key figures present at the event included actresses Sarah Hassan and Brenda Hassan from ‘Zari’ and producer Damaris Irungu from ‘Kam U Stay’.

The media content showcase served as a platform to foster collaboration and innovation in Kenya’s media landscape, ensuring that Kenyan voices resonate worldwide.