Chinese pay TV StarTimes has pledged US$1.7 million (Ksh. 200 million) to boost local content production in Kenya.
According to the company, this is due to the success of their local content channel Rembo TV, which also recently launched Swahili drama Nia, their first local production investment this year.
StarTimes Regional Marketing Director Mr. Aldrine Nsubuga described Nia as a premium local drama that will set the tone for theircommitment to local entertainment for their subscribers.
“We are looking forward to increasingly growing our subscriber value proposition by airing exclusive local productions at the same most affordable subscription rates available in the market today,” Nsubuga said.
Myke Mwai, StarTimes’ content director, said the firm will forge partnership with local production houses to come up with content that appeals to subscribers from diverse cultural backgrounds.
According to Mwai, enhanced collaboration with local content developers will enable StarTimes come up with topics that can resonate with household subscribers.
Starring Maryanne Nungo, Keith Chuaga, Eddy Kimani, Nia is helmed by Daudi Anguka, the award-winning filmmaker behind Maisha Magic East’s Swahili telenovela Pete.
“This partnership with StarTimes marks a milestone in raising the visibility of cutting-edge local content, and Nia is destined for a brighter future,” Anguka said.
