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11/22/2024 05:21:45 am

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StarTimes Media Picks Kenya for US$8 Million Investment

In a nod to Kenya's economic policies, China's StarTimes Media is setting up new offices in Nairobi, putting US$8 million into the project. 

The digital pay-TV provider has chosen Nairobi to be the center of its Africa operations, and construction of the headquarters will be completed by the end of 2015, according to Chinese website Ecns.cn.

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A groundbreaking ceremony for the StarTimes Africa base took place on Monday in the Kenyan capital with government officials in attendance. 

Hassan Wario, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture, welcomed the multimillion dollar investment.

He said the Kenyan government will continue to find ways to make it easy for companies to do business in the country. He acknowledged that more foreign investment means better lives for the Kenyan people.

Wario praised StarTimes' decision to set up its Africa headquarters in Kenya, calling it a "bold step" and "trend setting."

He said the operations will not only help StarTimes' business but will also provide opportunities to Kenyan producers and artists. 

StarTimes President Pang Xinxing said his company picked Kenya because it has a good investment climate, a robust economy and government policy that encourages foreign direct investment. 

Pang also noted that Kenyans have shown increased demand for digital TV service, leading StarTimes to select the country as its base of operations on the continent. 

The Group's headquarters in Karen, Nairobi, will occupy an area of 200,000 square meters.

It will house StarTimes Kenya offices, StarTimes African Headquarters, dubbing facilities for television and movies, and a research and development center.

Pang said StarTimes will contribute to Kenya's social and economic development by providing reliable service to Kenyan subscribers, and customers across Africa.  

StarTimes' digital TV network in Africa covers ten countries. Its services include access to international and local channels that provide content ranging from news and documentaries to sports and entertainment. 

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