A man in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, has been apprehended for distributing pirated Pay-TV streams to Kenyan viewers.
Through online platforms and social media, Kelvin Kiplagat Singóei was found to be reselling unauthorised access to premium television channels, such as prominent sports and entertainment networks.
This illegal operation enabled users to view Pay-TV content without obtaining the necessary licenses.
Illegal Pay-TV stream sales target Kenyans
Singóei’s illicit streaming service, according to authorities, posed a significant threat to subscribers in addition to violating copyright laws.
Customers were subjected to identity theft, financial fraud, and malware infections due to requests for personal information and digital payments through unverified platforms on modified streaming applications.
George Nyakweba, Acting Executive Director at the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), stated, “Illegal distribution of copyrighted content deprives creators and broadcasters of their rightful earnings and discourages investment in local production, sports development, and employment within the media sector.”
He warned the public that subscribing to such services “exposes consumers to high cybersecurity risks, as their personal and financial data can be compromised or misused by criminal networks.”
The suspect was released on a Sh300,000 cash security with a surety of the same amount after appearing in Eldoret’s Chief Magistrate’s Court on October 7, 2025. The case will continue as investigations and evidence compilation continue.
Crackdown on pirated pay-TV services in Kenya
Kenyan authorities continue efforts to clamp down on illegal streaming amid concerns over the impact on content creators and broadcasters. Such unauthorised services undermine the media industry’s revenue stream, affecting local jobs and sports funding.
To promote development, the Kenya Copyright Board warns of the hazards and encourages support for legal Pay-TV operators. To protect intellectual property and consumer safety in Kenya’s developing digital television market, this arrest sends a clear message that illegal distribution networks will be prosecuted.