Zee Entertainment Africa Launches Zee Dunia, Its First Free-to-Air Channel in Kenya

Zee Entertainment Africa, a leading multinational media conglomerate, has officially launched Zee Dunia, its first Free-to-Air (FTA) television channel in Kenya. This marks the company’s expansion into Africa’s FTA media space, making it the first multinational corporation (MNC) to introduce such a service on the continent.

Zee Dunia aims to diversify entertainment options for Kenyan audiences by providing premium content at no cost. The channel will offer a wide range of movies, series, and lifestyle programs, bringing quality entertainment to a broad viewership.

Strengthening Local Talent and Industry Growth

According to Somnath Malakar, Chief Executive Officer at Zee Entertainment – Africa & Indian Ocean Islands, the launch of Zee Dunia aligns with Zee Entertainment’s commitment to innovation, content diversification, and creative industry support.

“As part of our legacy of excellence, we are dedicated to supporting creatives through collaboration and localized content. Our investment in extensive distribution ensures greater reach, contributing to the growth of Kenya’s media and entertainment economy,” Malakar stated.

Zee Entertainment views Kenya as a key market due to its advanced entertainment industry and growing creative sector. Beyond content creation, the company intends to empower local production talent and enhance industry capacity.

A Strategic Market Entry with Nationwide Coverage

Neha Sharma, Vice President, Zee Entertainment Africa & East, emphasized that Kenya’s dynamic media environment and expanding content industry made it the ideal choice for Zee’s first FTA channel.

“Launching Zee Dunia in Kenya marks a milestone in our commitment to the region. We are excited to bring diverse, engaging, and family-friendly content to households nationwide while investing in local talent. Our strong distribution across 41 sites via PANG and Signet ensures maximum accessibility,” Sharma noted.

Beyond entertainment, Zee Dunia aims to showcase and elevate Kenyan voices, providing a platform for emerging and established content creators to expand their reach and influence.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Kenyan Presidential Economic Advisor, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, welcomed Zee Dunia’s entry into the market, highlighting its economic and social contributions:

“Zee Dunia’s presence in Kenya will create job opportunities for media professionals, content creators, and production houses. By offering high-quality, family-friendly programming, the channel will also promote social cohesion and cultural appreciation across Kenya’s diverse communities.”

With Kenya’s large television audience, Zee Dunia expects to attract a broad demographic, offering fresh and award-winning content to viewers seeking affordable, high-quality entertainment.

Expanding Zee Entertainment’s Footprint in Kenya

Zee Entertainment Africa has been operating in Kenya through pay-TV providers such as DSTV and StarTimes. The company, founded in 1996 by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, has its headquarters in Johannesburg and currently broadcasts across 50+ territories in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, reaching over 50 million viewers.

With Zee Dunia’s launch, Kenyan audiences can now experience accessible, high-quality entertainment tailored to diverse tastes and preferences. The channel is set to become a key player in Kenya’s evolving media landscape.