MultiChoice, the pay TV service provider behind DStv and GOtv, has lost a huge number of subscribers in the year leading to June 30, 2025. According to the latest data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the company lost more than 84% of its Kenyan customer base after a series of price hikes that left many subscribers unable to afford.

DStv Kenya Subscriber Numbers Plummet

As of June 30, 2024, MultiChoice had 1.19 million active subscribers in Kenya. By the same date in 2025, that number had dropped to 188,824—a loss of approximately 84.13%.

This is a big blow to many Kenyan households that have been feeling the pinch after the company introduced a series of price increases that made things unaffordable.

Multiple Price Hikes in a Year

In August 2025, MultiChoice raised prices again by Sh700 on some DStv packages. This was after previous price hikes in November 2024 by Sh500 and April 2024.

Here are the latest DStv Kenya price changes:

  • Premium Package:

    • Old price: Sh11,000

    • New price: Sh11,700

    • Price increase: Sh1,200 in 9 months.

  • Compact Plus Package:

    • Old price: Sh6,800

    • New price: Sh7,300

    • Price increase: Sh500 since November 2024.

  • Compact Package:

    • Old price: Sh3,900

    • New price: Sh4,200

    • Price increase: Sh300.

  • Family Package:

    • Old price: Sh2,100

    • New price: Sh2,250

    • Price increase: Sh150.

These multiple price hikes seem to have overwhelmed many Kenyan viewers who value affordability. In response, MultiChoice said the price increases were part of their annual subscription review. In a statement, the company said the changes were made “with great care to ensure customers get the best of local and international content”.

MultiChoice further explained that the adjustments were necessary for sustainability and to continue providing high quality services to customers. But the rising costs have seen many cancel their subscriptions and opt for more affordable entertainment options.

What This Means for DStv’s Future in Kenya

The big drop in subscribers means DStv may be struggling to hold on to its market share in Kenya where free-to-air channels, streaming services and competing pay TV providers are gaining popularity.

MultiChoice has been the dominant player in Kenya’s pay TV space for a long time but this trend of multiple price hikes may accelerate the rise of other players and force DStv to review its pricing or introduce more flexible packages that cater to the local market’s economic reality.