MultiChoice has cut its DStv packages from six to four in a pricing overhaul that brings Premier League and Champions League football to a cheaper tier for the first time.
The new line-up, which takes effect on November 5, starts with DStv Starter at Sh750 a month. It rises through DStv Select at Sh1,500 and DStv Sports at Sh3,000 to DStv Ultimate at Sh7,300.
The changes are the pay-TV firm’s biggest product update in years and its first major overhaul since it became part of French media group Canal+.
DStv Sports, with up to 159 channels, is the first package to carry every Premier League match. It also includes the UEFA Champions, Europa and Conference Leagues, WWE and UFC, alongside the general entertainment channels in the Select package.
The entry-level Starter pack, with up to 116 channels, gets a new channel, SuperSport KICKOFF, which shows a live Match of the Week from top leagues including the Premier League.
DStv Ultimate, the top tier with up to 180 channels, adds Formula 1, MotoGP, cricket, rugby, ATP tennis and golf majors.
The same packages and prices apply on the DStv Stream app.
“This marks a defining moment in our 30-year journey in Kenya,” said Nzola Miranda, chief executive of MultiChoice Kenya.
“For the first time, we have undertaken a comprehensive review of our entire product portfolio, reimagining and simplifying our package offerings to reflect the evolving needs, preferences and realities of Kenyan consumers.”
GOtv has also been restructured into four packages. They run from GOtv Easy at Sh300 a month to Starter at Sh750, Select at Sh1,500 and Sports at Sh3,000.
MultiChoice has also cut hardware costs, with an HD decoder and satellite dish selling at Sh1,500 plus a Sh500 installation fee from November 5.
The company said it will continue to invest in local productions, including a new show, Chamaa, due in the coming months.
“Not only does Canal+ share the same passion and commitment, but they are also investing in African storytelling through increased production and global distribution,” said Nomsa Philiso, executive vice-president of content at Canal+ Africa.
The shake-up comes as MultiChoice battles subscriber losses across Africa, with households cutting back on pay-TV amid rising living costs and growing competition from streaming services such as Netflix.
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By Nixon Kanali
Tech journalist based in Nairobi. I track and report on tech and African startups. Founder and Editor of TechTrends Media. Nixon is also the East African tech editor for Africa Business Communities. Send tips to kanali@techtrendsmedia.co.ke.