DStv and GOtv Prices Hiked in Kenya, But Showmax Streaming Fees Slashed — Here’s What It Means for You

DStv and GOtv Prices Hiked in Kenya:

MultiChoice Kenya has implemented a double-edged pricing strategy that is shaking up the home entertainment scene. However traditional pay-TV platforms like DStv and GOtv have seen a price hike, the company has slashed the cost of its streaming service Showmax, for Kenyan users. Here is how this shift impacts Households, Mobile streamers and the broader digital TV market.

MultiChoice Kenya Increases DStv and GOtv Subscription Fees

In a move likely driven by increasing operational costs the depreciation of the Kenyan shilling and increased content acquisition expenses, MultiChoice Kenya has increased subscription fees for several DStv and GOtv packages.

“This price adjustment is in line with market realities, through inflation and increased costs of doing business,” said a MultiChoice Kenya spokesperson.

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New DStv and GOtv Rates in Kenya (July 2025)

Source: Industry estimates and MultiChoice retail partners.

These new rates are already affecting urban Kenyan households who rely on satellite TV for sports, news and global content.

Showmax Slashes Subscription Fees Amid Streaming Boom

In contrast to the DStv/GOtv hike, Showmax Kenya has significantly reduced its subscription fees, marking to capture Kenya’s growing mobile-first streaming audience.

New Showmax Kenya Plans (Effective July 2025)

• Showmax Mobile: Reduced from KSh 550 to KSh 300
• Showmax Standard: Reduced from KSh 1,100 to KSh 650
• Showmax Premier League Only: Remains at KSh 500

 “This reduction is part of our digital-first pivot to offer affordable, on-demand entertainment tailored to mobile users in Africa,” said Yolisa Phahle, CEO of Showmax.

Why This Matters: Key Takeaways for Kenyan Viewers

Traditional Pay-TV Is Getting Pricier

• Urban relations face higher monthly bills.
• EPL followers and premium sports observers will be hit hardest.

Streaming Is Becoming the Affordable Alternative

• Younger workers are opting for Showmax, Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
• Showmax’s mobile-first model is ideal for commuters students and low-data users.

MultiChoice’s Digital Pivot Strategy

• The price changes propose market segmentation: premium satellite vs. budget streaming.
• MultiChoice appears to be future-proofing against streaming competitors by incentivizing migration.

What Are Kenyans Saying?

Social media reactions are mixed:

“GOtv just got more expensive. I’m switching to Showmax and hotspotting from my phone.”  @makenaNairobi on X

“Why punish loyal DStv subscribers while streaming gets cheaper? Not fair.” @Otieno254

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Final Thoughts:

As the Kenyan digital TV market evolves, viewers are forced to make a choice: stick through increasing satellite bills or embrace low-cost, mobile-first streaming. Through Showmax slashing prices and DStv becoming less wallet-friendly, the battle for Kenya’s living rooms and phones has only intensified.