MultiChoice Cuts DStv Prices by Up to 35% in Kenya

MultiChoice Group, now part of France’s Canal+, is cutting the number of DStv packages in Kenya from six to four as the pay-TV operator seeks to make its sports and entertainment offering more accessible to households facing tighter budgets.

The new packages, which take effect Nov. 5, will range from DStv Starter at KES 750 ($5.80) a month to DStv Ultimate at KES 7,300. The company is also introducing a new SuperSport KICKOFF channel, offering selected live matches from major football competitions including the Premier League.

The restructuring represents one of MultiChoice Kenya’s biggest changes to its product lineup in years. The company is consolidating its packages around four tiers — Starter, Select, Sports and Ultimate — while bringing some content previously available only on higher-priced packages to cheaper tiers.

“This marks a defining moment in our 30-year journey in Kenya,” Nzola Miranda, chief executive officer of MultiChoice Kenya, said at the launch. “We are making great entertainment more affordable, accessible and relevant to more households.”

DStv Starter will cost KES 750 and offer up to 116 channels, including Maisha Magic Plus, Maisha Magic Loko, Maisha Magic Poa, Cartoon Network, Disney Junior, LaLiga, Novela+, Pearl Magic and Movie Legends. It will also include SuperSport KICKOFF, which will carry selected live football.

DStv Select, priced at KES 1,500, will offer up to 149 channels, combining local and international entertainment, movies, series, children’s programming and selected sports.

The biggest change for sports fans comes with DStv Sports, priced at KES 3,000. The package will offer up to 159 channels and include all Premier League matches as well as the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, together with WWE and UFC.

DStv Sports will also include the general entertainment channels available on DStv Select, positioning the package as a broader alternative to a sports-only subscription.

At KES 7,300, DStv Ultimate will remain the company’s top-tier offering, with up to 180 channels. It will combine the Sports and Movies & Series offerings with additional premium sports including Formula 1, MotoGP, cricket, rugby, ATP tennis and golf majors.

The new pricing will also apply to DStv Stream, giving customers the option to access the packages without relying solely on satellite television.

MultiChoice is also changing the GOtv lineup. The new structure will comprise four packages, starting with GOtv Easy at KES 300 and rising to GOtv Sports at KES 3,000.

GOtv Easy will offer 30 channels and selected live sports, including Match of the Week and SuperSport KICKOFF. GOtv Starter will cost KES 750 for 47 channels, while GOtv Select will cost KES 1,500 for 66 channels. GOtv Sports will cost KES 3,000 and offer 73 channels, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, WWE and UFC.

The changes come as streaming services, changing consumer viewing habits and pressure on household spending reshape Africa’s pay-TV market.

MultiChoice, which has operated in Kenya for three decades, is now part of Canal+, following the French media group’s acquisition of a controlling interest in the South African broadcaster. The combination gives MultiChoice access to Canal+’s international content relationships, distribution capabilities and global scale.

The company is also maintaining its focus on locally produced programming. MultiChoice said it plans to expand its portfolio of African productions, with new shows including Chamaa expected in the coming months.

“MultiChoice has built an extraordinary connection with African audiences and a deep understanding of the stories they love to watch,” Nomsa Philiso, executive vice president of content at Canal+ Africa, said. “Canal+ shares the same passion and commitment, but is also investing in African storytelling through increased production and global distribution.”

Under the new DStv Expect+ campaign, customers will also be able to buy an HD decoder and satellite dish for KES 1,500, while installation will cost KES 500. The new hardware pricing takes effect Nov. 5.