By Collins Mwai

Kwese, the pay television company, has denied allegations that they will not be airing this year’s World Cup tournament.

Media reports had last month reported that the firm was undergoing financial hardships which had led it to default on payments for the football tournament’s rights.

However, responding to queries by The New Times, General Manager of Kwesé Rwanda, Leonard Magera Rucogoza, said the planned airing of the World Cup will not be affected.

"As a start-up business, Kwesé has gone through a phenomenal building process over the past two years. To ensure transparency during this process we have been in continuous communication with our partners who remain extremely supportive and have shown great belief in our business. We can, therefore, confirm that the broadcast of the World Cup and all major sporting events for which we have rights will not be affected,” he said.

The firm, which entered the Rwandan market last year, operates in close to 20 countries and describes itself as one in the startup phase.

The Pay TV space in the region is dominated by firms such as DSTV, Canal Plus and Azam TV.

Rucogoza said that the firm has over the course of the year increased its market penetration and is looking to further innovate in the coming years.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw