MultiChoice increases DStv subscription prices in Kenya by 4.7%

• MultiChoice Kenya set to increase DStv prices by up to KSh500 effective November 1, 2024.

• DStv Premium package subscribers will pay KSh 11,000, up from KSh 10,500, while Compact Plus subscribers will pay KSh 6,800 instead of KSh 4.7, representing increases of 4.7% and 4.6% respectively.

• Although the reasons for this latest increase have not been revealed, MultiChoice has issued a notice stating: “We would like to inform you that MultiChoice will be changing some of its DStv subscription prices, effective November 1, 2024.” However, this is the fourth price increase for the pay television service in two years.

According to the new pricing structure, the Compact plan will cost KSh 3,900, up from KSh 3,700, and the Family plan will increase from KSh 2,100 to KSh 2,000.

In Nigeria, MultiChoice Nigeria also decided to increase subscription prices for its DStv and GOtv services by at least 25% in April 2024. This decision led to legal action, which was later withdrawn in July 2024 , after a court hearing was adjourned until November 2024. MultiChoice’s lawyer cited the company’s holiday period from July to September 2024, saying they could only deal with urgent matters during this period .

This comes after MultiChoice Group reported in June 2024, in its operational performance report for the financial year ending March 2024 (FY24), subscriber numbers had fallen by 13% in Kenya, Nigeria, Angola and in Zambia.

At the time, MultiChoice announced plans to focus on scaling and growing its products, including DStv Internet and DStv Stream. Additionally, it planned to improve business efficiency and cost optimization through increased cost savings, which CEO Calvo Mawela said could be achieved without layoffs.

Meanwhile, MultiChoice South Africa has taken action against illegal streaming of its paid content. In September 2024, authorities seized illicit streaming devices, banners advertising the unauthorized sale of DStv Premium content and a mobile phone containing contact details of people allegedly involved in the illegal service.

Additionally, paperwork for MultiChoice Merger/acquisition by French media company Canal+ in a R30 billion deal has now been filed with the Competition Commission. All that remains is to acquire the remaining shares and finalize the deal. However, Canal+ does not plan to change MultiChoice’s brands following the takeover.