The sleeping giant has awakened.The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), once ridiculed as a relic of the analog age, has been ranked among the best-performing parastatals in Kenya, marking a stunning turnaround for the national broadcaster.

The findings, released today by the Kenya Track Survey, paint a picture of an institution that has successfully reinvented itself. Conducted between January 2 and 17, 2026, the survey sampled 4,879 respondents across all 47 counties. The verdict was clear: KBC is no longer just "that station your grandparents watch"—it is a critical pillar of national information and civic education.

Why the Shift?

Respondents cited KBC’s aggressive digital transformation and its embrace of vernacular programming as key drivers of its resurgence. "They went where the commercial stations fear to tread," the report notes. By broadcasting in indigenous languages, KBC has captured the rural demographic that feels alienated by the polished English of private media.

• The Top League: KBC shares the podium with heavyweights like the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), which topped the list for connecting 60,000 homes. Other top performers include KISE, the National Irrigation Authority, and KEMSA.
• Civic Duty: The broadcaster was lauded for its "readiness in election and civic coverage." In an era of fake news and sensationalism, Kenyans are seemingly returning to KBC for unvarnished, verified government information.

Beyond the Screen

This ranking is a validation of the internal reforms that have swept through Harry Thuku Road. From upgrading studios to engaging on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), the corporation has bridged the generational divide. "KBC is now a brand that speaks to the Gen Z in Nairobi and the grandmother in Turkana simultaneously," says media analyst Jane Wambui.

However, the challenge remains sustainability. Can KBC convert this goodwill into commercial revenue, or will it remain perpetually dependent on the Exchequer? For now, the "Big Stick" is walking tall.