HC Deb 25 February 1953 vol 511 c2064
32. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give further details of the broadcast by Africans to the Kikuyu in Kenya; how many Kikuyu are known to have receiving sets; and to what extent sets are provided in reserves or in detention centres.

Mr. Lyttelton

Broadcasts by African announcers and speakers in vernaculars and Swahili total 28¾ hours a week, including 12 hours in Kikuyu. The Post Office records do not show an analysis by races or tribes of wireless licences issued, but a considerable number of Kikuyu are known to have purchased receiving, sets during the last year. Eight hundred "saucepan" receiving sets have been purchased by Africans during the past six months.

The African Information Services maintain 225 receiving sets in the Central Province and 64 in Nairobi. Receiving sets are now being installed in reception camps in the Rift Valley Province

Mr. Teeling

Does my right hon. Friend realise that many people have been wondering exactly what is meant by broadcasting to the Kikuyu? In future, would it be possible for us to study this in more detail, because it can be of immense help in our propaganda about what this country is trying to do for the people of East Africa?

Mr. Lyttelton

It is being carried out energetically. Twenty-eight and three-quarter hours a week is quite a long time. These sets are used in the open and the broadcasts are beard by a great many people.