The 2SC1969 is available and in stock at MCM:
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/2SC1969
I imagine substitutes are available but I can not comment on this.
Perhaps the current BOM for the K1 kit would reflect such a component change.
I did not look to see.
73 Steve KZ1X/4
K1, K2, K3, etc.