MultiChoice hikes DStv subscription prices in Kenya by 4.7% starting November 1, 2024.
Subscribers to the DStv Premium package will pay KSh11,000, up from KSh10,500, while Compact Plus subscribers will pay KSh6,800 instead of KSh6,500, representing 4.7% and 4.6% increases, respectively.
While reasons for the latest hike were not disclosed, MultiChoice issued a notice stating, “We would like to inform you that MultiChoice will be making changes to some of its DStv subscription prices, effective 1 November 2024.” However, this marks the fourth price increase for the pay TV service in two years.
Per the new pricing schedule, the Compact package will cost KSh3,900, up from KSh3,700, and the Family package will rise to KSh2,100 from KSh2,000.
In Nigeria, MultiChoice Nigeria also moved 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 This decision led to legal action, which was later withdrawn in July 2024, after a court hearing was adjourned to November 2024. MultiChoice’s lawyer cited the company’s vacation period from July to September 2024, claiming they could only address urgent matters during that time.
Plans to focus on scaling and growth
This comes after the MultiChoice Group reported in June 2024, in its operational performance report for the fiscal year ending March 2024 (FY24), that subscriber numbers had fallen by 13% in Kenya, Nigeria, Angola, and Zambia.
At the time, MultiChoice stated it plans to focus on scaling and driving growth in its products, including DStv Internet and DStv Stream. Additionally, it planned to improve business efficiency and cost optimization with increased cost savings, which CEO Calvo Mawela said could be achieved without retrenchments.
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Meanwhile, MultiChoice South Africa has been cracking down on 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 individuals allegedly involved in the illegal service.
Moreover, the paperwork for MultiChoice’s acquisition by the 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 finalise the deal. However, Canal+ does not plan to change MultiChoice brands following the takeover.
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