StarTimes has announced major expansion plans targeting rural Kenya that will see the company's digital television service being accessed by 80% of the Kenyan population by the end of 2014.

Subscribers across the country will enjoy both pay television and free to air digital television services. The service will be available in Machakos, Migori, Trans-Nzoia, Laikipia and Murang'a counties raising the number with the company's digital television access to over 20 counties.

"We intend to ride on our current 70% digital television network coverage in the country to extend the reach of our informative educative and entertaining channel offering to more Kenyans key in not only growing our market share but also giving them an eviable choice that will enrich their television viewing experience," said Mr Hans Han

With the country gearing for the transition from analogue to digital television transmission, StartTimes has set the pace in extending its digital television footprint that will see the population within these counties access crystal clear digital television service.

StarTimes hopes to bridge the digital divide that currently exists as it will ensure Kenyans get access to high quality audio and video television reception, have a variety of enhanced broadcasting applications, multimedia data as well as additional channels that will not only inform but also entertain.

"We will continue investing heavily in the digital television sector as we seek to meet increased viewership demands," noted Mr. Hans.