The set minimum technical specification requirements for set top boxes to be used in Kenya must meet the DVB-T2 platform although both DVB-T and DVB-T2 will run concurrently in Nairobi for the entire duration of the simulcast period. Initially, retailers in the country were allowed to import DVB-T set top boxes before they were burned by the government as Kenya shall be on DVB-T2 platform. Vendors are therefore required to adhere to the new technology set top boxes standards by importing only approved DVB-T2 set top boxes.

Vendors are further required to get approval from the communications commission of Kenya on the right type of set top boxes for Kenyan market; they will also have to display these equipments at point of sale alongside with authorization certificate issued by the communications commission of Kenya.

Here are some of the minimum specifications for DVB-T2 Digital set top boxes for the Kenyan market.
1)      The RF tuner and DVB-T2 Channel
Complied standard should be ETSI EN 302 755V1.1.1 (2009-09), modulation-COFDM: QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, and 256QAM, Guard intervals 1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128, ¼.
Transmission stream: MPG-2 ISO/IE 13818
Frame frequency: 25Hz (PAL)

2)      Scanning function
The Set top box must include a frequency scanning function in order to detect the available signals on DVB-T signals. In addition, the set top box should be able to list the content provided by terrestrial bouquet by reading the PSI/SI streams.
The program memory should be intact in case of cut off.

3)      Software
The following functionalities must be supported by the set top box
·        Auto/manual tuning
·        Should be able to support various languages
·        Display and withdrawal of subtitles
·        Should be capable of receiving mail
·        And an inbuilt 24hour clock


4)      Teletex and subtitles
Teletex should be displayed in OSD or by insertion of teletex data in the VBI
5)      Interfaces
The set top box should be capable of reading a smart card or DVB-CI slot normally for a conditional access module.
6)      Reliability: MTBF 80,000Hrs