According to registration documents from the Communications Authority of Kenya, the stations associated with Mediamax networks such as Kameme FM, K24 TV, and Milele FM are registered under TV Africa Kenya Holdings.
Reports from Business Daily reveal that TV Africa Kenya Holdings is associated with the powerful Kenyatta family that bought the K24 and Kameme brands from David and Rose Kimotho.
The couple founded Regional Reach Limited which began as an advertising firm. They initially bought 200 TV sets that were strategically placed in rural areas to showcase products during screening.
The company made its entry into mainstream media with the launch of Kameme FM targeting the rural population in Central Kenya and broadcasted in vernacular.
The couple is said to have invested Ksh40 million to set up the station that offered music, news, and cultural education.
The station had a good run and the entry of other vernacular stations such as KBC’s Coro and Royal Media’s Inooro disrupted the industry.
RMS, with financial muscle from billionaire SK Macharia, poached Kameme FM’s most popular presenters and tilted the audience landscape.
The rivals also discounted their advertising rates in a bid to lure Kameme FM’s clients.
Threatened by the harsh business environment at the time, Regional Reach Limited sought to diversify its portfolio with entry into TV broadcasting, hence K24 was born.
K24 was initially meant to be the first vernacular television station, broadcasting in Kikuyu on a 24/7 news format. Rose Kimotho said her plan was discouraged by media personality Jeff Koinange who played a critical part in shaping the K24 brand.
Riding on heightened political activity caused by the 2007 General Election, K24 launched in November 2007.
Following the skirmishes, the company experienced a steep decline in revenue due to the negative impact the PEV had on the economy.
The cost of running the TV station in a slumping economy overburdened the couple and they had to strike a deal with the Kenyatta family-linked TV Africa Kenya Holdings in 2009.
Although the airwaves are registered under Africa Kenya Holdings, the management of the stations is under Mediamax Network Ltd – another firm associated with the Kenyatta family. It has since grown to operate Kameme TV, more vernacular radio stations across the country as well as Milele FM which broadcasts in Swahili.
After the transfer of assets to the Kenyatta family business, Rose Kimotho was appointed CEO and served until 2011 when she started another media house, 3 Stones TV.
On his part, David moved to Uganda and was appointed the General Manager of WBS TV and later came back to run his own business, Jayda Entreprises.
Source: KENYAGIST.COM
