DStv, GOtv prices set to rise again in August as Showmax fees slashed
The price cuts come amid growing competition from international streaming services and increasing mobile internet penetration. MultiChoice says the adjustment is meant to keep Showmax competitive and accessible, especially for younger, mobile-first audiences.
MultiChoice Kenya has announced another round of price increases for its DStv and GOtv platforms, set to take effect from August 1, 2025. This marks the sixth price adjustment since March 2022.
The company stated that the revised prices, ranging between 4 per cent and 7 per cent, form part of its annual review to “strike a balance between affordability and delivering quality content.”
Many Kenyan households are once again preparing for higher entertainment costs. With the English Premier League (EPL) season kicking off in August, some subscribers say they will reluctantly renew their packages despite the hike.
“I can’t miss the Premier League, it’s the only reason I stay on DStv,” said Kevin Otieno, a football fan based in Nairobi.
“But with these new prices, I’m seriously considering switching to Showmax Mobile. It’s cheaper, and at least I still get the matches.”
The EPL’s return typically drives a surge in sports subscriptions, but with packages such as DStv Compact Plus now costing Sh7,300, many fans are reassessing their options.
DStv residential price changes
From August 1, DStv prices will increase as follows:
DStv Lite: Sh700 → Sh750
DStv Access: Sh1,350 → Sh1,450
DStv Family: Sh2,100 → Sh2,250
DStv Compact: Sh3,900 → Sh4,200
DStv Compact Plus: Sh6,800 → Sh7,300
DStv Premium: Sh11,000 → Sh11,700
XtraView Add-on: Sh1,600 → Sh1,700
GOtv price adjustments
GOtv Lite: Sh260 → Sh299
GOtv Value: Sh525 → Sh599
GOtv Plus: Sh899 → Sh999
GOtv Max: Sh1,550 → Sh1,699
GOtv Supa: Sh1,999 → Sh2,199
GOtv Supa Plus: Sh2,950 → Sh3,199
Business packages affected
MultiChoice is also adjusting its business packages:
Stay Ultra: Sh3,100 → Sh3,370
Work Ultra: Sh5,300 → Sh5,850
Play Ultra: Sh14,200 → Sh15,650
Regional Add-ons (Asian, European, French): Sh500/month each
Showmax prices reduced
In contrast to DStv and GOtv, MultiChoice has announced reduced subscription fees for Showmax, particularly ahead of the EPL season:
General Entertainment (GE): Sh650 → Sh550
GE Mobile: Sh300 → Sh200
Premier League Mobile: Sh450 (reduced)
GE + PL Bundle: Sh1,000 → Sh800
The price cuts come amid growing competition from international streaming services and increasing mobile internet penetration. MultiChoice says the adjustment is meant to keep Showmax competitive and accessible, especially for younger, mobile-first audiences.
Why the prices are increasing
MultiChoice says the hikes are necessary to offset operational costs, including foreign exchange fluctuations, while maintaining its offering of “premium content.” However, many Kenyans remain frustrated by the repeated hikes.
This latest increase follows previous ones in March 2022, July 2023, November 2023, April 2024, and March 2025.
While the current hike is more modest than the Sh800 jump in April 2024, it comes at a time when most households are already strained by the rising cost of living.
The company recently reported a 15 per cent drop in subscribers in Kenya, attributing the decline to free-to-air TV, changing consumer behaviour, and a shift to streaming platforms.
In response, MultiChoice is repositioning Showmax as its future growth engine. The platform’s new pricing structure is aimed at expanding its reach in an increasingly mobile and budget-conscious market.
Meanwhile, MultiChoice is awaiting regulatory approval for a proposed merger with Canal+, a move that could reshape Africa’s broadcasting sector and stabilise the company’s financial outlook.
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