TV service provider, MultiChoice, increases DStv and GOtv subscription costs in Kenya for the second time, simultaneously lowering Showmax mobile subscription rates.
**DStv Price Hikes in Kenya: A Response to Rising Costs and Shifting Viewer Habits**
MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv, has announced price increases for its packages in Kenya. The adjustments are a part of the company's annual price review and are intended to cover rising operational costs and investments in local and international content.
Effective August 1, 2025, the prices for DStv packages in Kenya will be as follows:
- **Access**: Increases from KES 1,350 to KES 1,450 - **Family**: Increases from KES 2,100 to KES 2,250 - **Compact**: Increases from KES 3,900 to KES 4,200 - **Compact Plus**: Increases from KES 6,800 to KES 7,300 - **Premium**: Increases from KES 11,000 to KES 11,700 - **Lite**: Remains unchanged at KES 750 - **XtraView add-on**: Priced at KES 1,700 per month.
In contrast to the DStv price hikes, Showmax subscribers will see price reductions, particularly for mobile plans. Showmax's entry-level mobile rates are being slashed from KES 650 to KES 550 ($4 to $3).
The move to increase prices comes amid a challenging period for MultiChoice. In its home market of South Africa, the company posted a headline loss of R800 million ($45 million), and it lost 1.2 million subscribers across Africa in the past financial year. However, the collapse of Azam TV's operations in Kenya has shown signs of recovery, with Kenya accounting for approximately 15% of the decline, with around 180,000 users leaving.
CEO Calvo Mawela has suggested unbundling sports content, especially Supersport, into standalone subscriptions, which could allow sports fans to pay less for targeted access and give non-sports viewers an option to avoid premium pricing.
In the face of increased competition from cheaper streaming services, MultiChoice is banking on exclusive content, particularly live sports, and more competitive mobile offerings to hold on to its audience.
[1] MultiChoice increases DStv prices in Kenya (Business Daily, 2025) [2] MultiChoice announces price adjustments for DStv packages in Kenya (Nation Media Group, 2025) [3] MultiChoice posts loss in South Africa, loses 1.2 million subscribers (Fin24, 2025) [4] Showmax slashes mobile rates in Kenya (Techweez, 2025)
- As a response to the rising prices of DStv packages, Showmax has decided to reduce their entry-level mobile plans, making it more affordable for mobile users to access their content.
- Despite the increase in DStv prices, Showmax has made strategic adjustments to their mobile offerings, aiming to attract more customers who prefer mobile technology for entertainment.
