Agnes Kalekye, the newly appointed Managing Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), has unveiled her comprehensive vision for propelling the national broadcaster to new heights. Speaking at Broadcasting House during a meeting with staff on Wednesday, Kalekye underscored her commitment to revitalizing KBC by addressing key operational, technological, and content-related challenges.
Prioritizing Staff Welfare
Kalekye acknowledged that the foundation of any successful organization is its workforce. She emphasized the need to improve staff welfare as a cornerstone of her strategy, outlining plans to implement clear career progression guidelines.
“These guidelines will provide clarity on career growth opportunities and ensure that remuneration aligns with job roles and responsibilities. Furthermore, we are committed to addressing working conditions to create a conducive and productive environment for all staff members,” Kalekye said.
Kalekye praised the dedication and resilience of KBC’s staff, expressing admiration for their commitment despite the challenges they face daily. She noted that the talent and skill exhibited by the team provide a solid base for the transformation of the broadcaster.
Embracing Innovation and Technology
As media landscapes worldwide evolve, Kalekye stressed the importance of adopting modern approaches to keep KBC competitive. She pointed to technology as a critical enabler of the transformation she envisions.
“To remain relevant, we must modernize our production processes, expand our digital presence, and diversify our revenue streams. These steps will ensure KBC’s long-term sustainability as a public service broadcaster,” Kalekye stated.
The Managing Director also highlighted the significance of fostering innovation, urging the corporation to embrace fresh ideas and creative solutions to remain agile in a rapidly shifting environment.
Strengthening Audience Engagement
One of Kalekye’s primary goals is to reconnect KBC with its audiences by delivering content that resonates deeply with viewers and listeners. She underscored the need for meaningful engagement and programming that reflects Kenya’s rich cultural diversity and meets the evolving expectations of modern audiences.
“Our content must resonate deeply with the people we serve. We will prioritize meaningful audience engagement, ensuring our programs reflect the diversity and richness of Kenya’s culture while addressing the evolving needs and expectations of today’s viewers and listeners,” she said.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Kalekye is keen on building strong partnerships with stakeholders, including advertisers, government agencies, and industry allies. She believes these collaborations are essential for leveraging resources, enhancing reach, and solidifying KBC’s position in the media industry.
“These partnerships will enable us to leverage resources, enhance our reach, and solidify our position in the media industry,” she noted.
Addressing Challenges
While optimistic about the corporation’s future, Kalekye acknowledged the challenges facing KBC, ranging from shifting audience preferences and advancing technologies to declining revenues and changing advertising trends. However, she expressed confidence in overcoming these obstacles.
“KBC holds immense potential to reclaim its position as the market leader in Kenya’s media landscape. We must approach this journey with a clear understanding of the significant challenges before us,” she remarked.
A Promising Path Forward
Appointed in May, Kalekye has spent her initial weeks familiarizing herself with KBC’s operations. She expressed excitement about the opportunities ahead and her belief in the broadcaster’s potential to thrive.
Despite the hurdles, Kalekye’s strategic direction rooted in innovation, collaboration, and a focus on audience needs marks a promising new chapter for KBC. Her plans, if successfully implemented, could pave the way for the public broadcaster to regain its standing as a market leader in Kenya’s dynamic media industry.
