Zuku Unveils New Channel for Kids

Pay TV provider Zuku today unveiled a first on the continent with the launch of Africa’s first kids channel dubbed Zuku Kids.
The development of the channel is another addition to the firm’s growing portfolio of localized programming.

Zuku Kids, which will air on channel 600, is structured to provide both entertainment and edutainment for children aged between 6 and 12 years as a response to the need for content kids in Africa can relate to.

Hannelie Bekker, Managing Director, Wananchi Programming said, “We are excited to treat kids to their very own channel that will provide a host of African and international content to enjoy and engage with.”

She added that the channel has been designed to appeal to kids’ curiosity and sense of fun.

Zuku partnered with local companies DreamcatcherProductions and Laugh Industry, headlined by celebrated comedian Daniel ‘Churchill’ Ndambuki, to create exclusive content for the kids’ channel.

 “It is thrilling that some of the programmes on the channel are produced and directed by Kenyans. The ‘Y show’, for example, is a fun programme designed to answer some of the intriguing and challenging questions posed by kids through  use of the cartoon drawing skills of a young Kenyan artist.” Hannelie added.

“Our kids are the next generation that will lead this country in different capacities and it is critical that we provide them with stimulating content that entertains, informs and inspires.” said Ndambuki, Chief Executive of Laugh Industry.

The Zuku Kids logo and on-air identity is the work of a team of talented local designers and animators, and gives the channel a unique look.

The intention is that the channel will be seen as a fun “club” where kids can see themselves reflected on the screen. One of the ways the channel will seek to build relationships with its young audience is through birthday messages; another is through a series of short programmes in which East African kids let us into their lives by telling us about topics like “My World” and “My Hero”.

Zuku has cleared rights for all of Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa) hoping to see the channel travel beyond the borders of East Africa.

The East Africa TV provider continues to invest in local programming designed for Kenya and the larger East African markets. Some flagship products include the recent launch of a documentary series, ‘From Here to Timbuktu’, the kick off of the second season of internationally acclaimed culinary show ‘Tales from the Bushlarder’, and upcoming drama series, Groove Theory, a co-production with Kanjii Mbugua’s Kijiji Entertainment.