The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy today convened a national multi-stakeholder forum bringing together regulators, industry leaders, broadcasters, telecommunications companies and creative sector representatives to address the growing threat of digital piracy in Kenya.
The forum, held in Nairobi, aimed to develop coordinated national measures to curb digital piracy, which continues to undermine Kenya’s creative economy, erode tax revenue, and expose consumers and digital networks to cybersecurity risks.
According to industry estimates by Partners Against Piracy, digital piracy is responsible for approximately KES 17.38 billion in lost annual tax revenues in Kenya. 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 said the government is committed 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. Through this forum, the government is bringing 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,” said CS Kabogo.
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.
Among the proposals discussed at the forum was the introduction of a structured IP blocking tool, which 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 say the tool would operate under clear legal authorization, regulatory oversight and safeguards to prevent over-blocking while protecting legitimate digital services.
Mike Strano, Chairman, 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. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated action across government, technology platforms, internet service providers, and the creative community,” the PAP representative said.
On its part, Kenya Copyright Board, reiterated its 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 are fairly compensated and that the sector continues to attract both local and international investment,” said George Nyakweba, Ag. Executive Director of KECOBO.
Similarly, the Communications Authority of Kenya noted that effective anti-piracy efforts require close coordination between regulators and telecommunications providers.
“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,” said Caroline Murianki, Assistant Director, Public Awareness and Empowerment on behalf of David Mugonyi, Director General of CA.
The forum concluded with a proposal to form a multi-sectoral implementation taskforce that 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.
