Kwesé Abandons Exit Plan, Launches Kwesé Play In Kenya

The multiplatform broadcast network Kwesé, a subsidiary of Econet, 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.

In a statement, Kwese says that the new VoD service will deliver the fastest streaming services in Africa, offering the most diverse VOD content yet available 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 by Kwesé 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 Ksh580 (inc VAT) per year. It also has the free-to-air Kwesé Free Sports, which has been Kwese’s core product since its inception, Kwesé’s recently launched Kwesé iflix, and now the streaming service Kwesé Play.

Using fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) high-speed internet connectivity, Kwesé Play 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 as well as leading internet service providers Kwesé Play offers viewers world-class programming through FTTH infrastructure,” said Ojung’a.

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The Kwesé Play device will be available from Monday, December 10, 2018 for online pre-orders on Jumia for Ks6,000 inclusive of VAT. The Roku certified device will have a warranty of two-year and a complimentary 12-month subscription to Kwesé iflix.

The device is configured for seamless plug-and-play: After unboxing the device, the user connects it to a TV set using HDMI cable then connects it to the internet using Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable, allowing any TV set to function as a smart TV.

Kwesé Play will offer viewers the latest TV series, movies, documentaries, kids’ programs, sports and entertainment programming.

“As we continue to grow our business in Kenya with our focus on digital services, Kwesé Play will deliver endless entertainment from over 200 streaming channels for families, young adults, children – every consumer – to enjoy on their own terms,” said Ojung’a.