By Eddah Waithaka
The government brings together regulators, broadcasters, and telcos to combat illegal streaming and protect the creative economy.
The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy today convened a national multi-stakeholder forum in Nairobi, bringing together regulators, industry leaders, broadcasters, telecommunications companies, and creative sector representatives to develop coordinated measures against the growing threat of digital piracy.
Digital piracy continues to undermine Kenya’s creative economy, erode tax revenue, and expose consumers and digital networks to cybersecurity risks, according to officials at the forum.
Industry estimates from Partners Against Piracy reveal that digital piracy costs Kenya approximately KES 17.38 billion in lost annual tax revenues.
The practice also contributes to an estimated KES 92 billion in annual losses to Kenya’s creative sector, including about KES 15 billion in direct income denied to local content creators.
Beyond economic losses, illegal streaming, pirate IPTV services, and unlicensed digital platforms increasingly pose cybersecurity risks, exposing users and networks to malware, fraud, data theft, and illicit financial flows.
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo, emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration across the digital ecosystem to protect intellectual property and sustain Kenya’s growing creative sector.
“Kenya’s creative industry is a vital pillar of our digital economy, supporting thousands of jobs and driving innovation across film, music, sports broadcasting, and entertainment. However, the rise of digital piracy threatens these gains,” said CS Kabogo.
“Through this forum, the government brings together key players to develop coordinated, practical solutions that will protect creators, strengthen enforcement, and ensure that Kenya’s digital economy remains fair, secure, and sustainable.”
The forum brought together several government agencies including the Communications Authority of Kenya and the Kenya Copyright Board, alongside industry stakeholders and global anti-piracy organizations.
Participants discussed several proposals, including the introduction of a structured IP blocking tool.
This tool would allow regulators and internet service providers to disrupt access to illegal streaming platforms and pirate IPTV services, particularly during high-value live broadcasts such as major sports and entertainment events.
Industry stakeholders stress that the tool would operate under clear legal authorization, regulatory oversight, and safeguards to prevent over-blocking while protecting legitimate digital services.
Mike Strano, Chairman of Partners Against Piracy, emphasized that piracy continues to undermine investment in Kenya’s content industry.
“Piracy is not a victimless act. It deprives creators of income, weakens the sustainability of the creative economy, and discourages investment in local content production,” said Strano.
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“Addressing this challenge requires coordinated action across government, technology platforms, internet service providers, and the creative community.”
George Nyakweba, Acting Executive Director of the Kenya Copyright Board, reiterated the board’s commitment to strengthening intellectual property protection in the digital environment.
“Kenya’s creative industries are among the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. Strengthening copyright protection and enforcement in the digital space is essential to ensure creators receive fair compensation and that the sector continues to attract both local and international investment,” said Nyakweba.
Similarly, the Communications Authority of Kenya noted that effective anti-piracy efforts require close coordination between regulators and telecommunications providers.
Caroline Murianki, Assistant Director of Public Awareness and Empowerment, speaking on behalf of Director General David Mugonyi, stated, “As Kenya’s digital ecosystem continues to expand, regulatory collaboration becomes increasingly important in addressing emerging risks such as illegal streaming and digital piracy. The Authority remains committed to working with industry partners to develop practical and proportionate measures that protect consumers and support the growth of legitimate digital services.”
The forum concluded with a proposal to form a multi-sectoral implementation taskforce. This taskforce will guide the next phase of action, focusing on strengthening inter-agency collaboration, identifying enforcement priorities, and developing practical mechanisms to address digital broadcast piracy more effectively.
