This archive report was first published on 5 November 2019.
The 2019 Kalasha awards voting process has opened, but nominees are expressing concerns about the new voting technique introduced by Startimes.
As part of a partnership deal signed with the Kenya Film Commission in October, winners in each category will receive a monetary reward for the first time in the awards' history.
However, nominees are worried that the change in voting technique, which requires voters to download the Startimes app, may deter people from voting.
Actress Catherine Kamau, a nominee for the best-supporting actress in a film, expressed her concerns on social media, saying that people may opt out of voting when they realize they have to download an app.
“Wait! So Kenyans MUST download this app to vote??? @kenyafilmcomm,” Ms Kamau asked.
Kenya Film Classification CEO Timothy Owase, however, believes that the change will widen the awards' reach and not reduce it, citing the country's high mobile telephone penetration and internet access.
“We have always had the challenge of accessing many people. We know mobile telephone penetration in the country is at about 90%. Because the country has prepared well to have Internet access, it will be easier for people to download the app then vote,” Mr Owase said.
The nominees' unveil ceremony marked the launch of the voting process, which is now open, setting the stage for the main award gala on Saturday 30th November 2019.
