MultiChoice Raises DStv and GOtv Prices as Showmax Cuts Fees in Strategic Realignment
MultiChoice Kenya has announced a new wave of price increases for its DStv and GOtv packages, set to take effect on August 1, 2025, triggering concerns among subscribers already grappling with high living costs.
The company has adjusted the monthly subscription fees for its satellite TV services, citing operational demands, while making a contrasting move to reduce prices on its streaming platform, Showmax.
Under the revised pricing, DStv Premium subscribers will now pay Ksh 11,700, up from Ksh 11,000, marking a Ksh 700 increase. Compact Plus will cost Ksh 7,300, up by Ksh 500, while the Compact package rises to Ksh 4,200, a Ksh 300 increase.
The Family package will go for Ksh 2,250 (up by Ksh 150), while the Access and Lite packages remain unchanged at Ksh 1,350 and Ksh 750 respectively. A new XtraView fee of Ksh 1,700 will also apply to subscribers using multiple decoders.
GOtv customers are not spared either. GOtv Supa Plus will now cost Ksh 3,199, Supa will go for Ksh 2,199, and Max rises to Ksh 1,699. Notably, GOtv Value’s fee has been reduced slightly, while GOtv Lite’s pricing remains unclear due to conflicting figures.
While subscribers are feeling the pinch, MultiChoice has taken an unexpected step by slashing prices on its video-on-demand service, Showmax. The platform now offers its General Entertainment package at Ksh 550, down from Ksh 650, and the mobile-only version at Ksh 200, down from Ksh 300.
The Premier League mobile plan has also dropped to Ksh 450, and bundled packages like General Entertainment plus Premier League now go for Ksh 800, down from Ksh 1,000.
The decision to raise satellite TV prices while reducing streaming costs reflects a strategic shift by MultiChoice to navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape.
As the company faces declining DStv subscriber numbers in the region due to rising costs and growing competition from streaming platforms, it appears to be consolidating its premium satellite business while aggressively pushing Showmax as a more affordable, digital-first alternative.
However, the move has been met with criticism from customers, especially those on premium packages. Many took to social media to voice frustrations over what they see as unjustifiable increases.
Some questioned the value of paying nearly Ksh 12,000 per month for content that increasingly mirrors what is available on cheaper or even free platforms. Others lamented that sports — particularly exclusive events like the UEFA Champions League — remain locked behind expensive paywalls, compelling them to stay subscribed.
Meanwhile, MultiChoice defends the price hikes as necessary for sustainability and investment in content. Industry observers suggest that the company is focused on short-term revenue protection from high-value users while hoping that Showmax, which now offers live sports and a growing content library, will attract price-sensitive consumers and younger audiences.
