Zuku to add Star channels

African pay TV platform Zuku has struck a deal with Indian broadcaster Star that will see four channels launch on its service.

The company, which offers cable and DTH platforms across Eastern Africa and is owned by media firm Wananchi Group, will launch Star Plus, Gold, News and One. The channels will initially launch in Kenya and will roll out in Uganda and Tanzania later this year.

Hannelie Bekker, managing director of Wananchi Programming, said: “Including Hindi, Gujarathi and Punjabi orientated programming in all our channel bouquets is a key part of Wananchi’s differentiation and positioning in the market, and bolsters our offering to East African populations. There is a large population of East Africans of Indian descent, whose entertainment requirements encompass both Hollywood and Bollywood. The agreement with Star marks a move into Bollywood programming for Wananchi.”