This archive report was first published on 21 June 2021.
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Channel 1 is set to make a comeback on Monday, June 21, after months of planning and intense negotiations. The state-owned broadcaster has unveiled a new line-up of presenters, a blend of talent and experience that includes former KBC presenters brought back into the fold.
The line-up features a mix of industry legends and fresh talent, including Catherine Kasavuli, Bahdi Muhsin, Fayyaz Qureishi, and Pauline Sheghu, who will host prime time segments on Saturdays at 7pm and 9pm dubbed ‘Legends’.
Other notable presenters include Shiksha Arora and Ahmed Juma Ballo, who previously anchored at K24, as well as Tom Mboya, Cynthia Nyamai, John Kioria, Fred Indimuli, Harith Salim, and Nancy Onyancha.
With the rebrand, KBC hopes to improve production quality across its channels and radio stations, including Y254, Radio Taifa, and the English Service, through a partnership with South Africa’s Multichoice.
The station will also start broadcasting fully in High Definition (HD), having previously oscillated between HD and Standard Definition (SD).
According to KBC Editor-in-Chief, the seasoned anchors will play a part in mentoring younger talent at the station.
“The ‘Legends’ is only on Saturday at 7pm and 9pm. The market has been yearning for these anchors. The Corporation decided to give them an opportunity to deliver our product to Kenyans. They are also very experienced and will also be training our upcoming anchors to sharpen their anchoring skills,” Maina noted.
