The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), in collaboration with enforcement partners, has arrested a suspect in connection with a sophisticated online piracy operation accused of illegally distributing copyrighted television content belonging to licensed broadcasters and content owners.
The suspect, Kelvin Kiplagat Singóei, was apprehended in Kiplombe, Uasin Gishu County, following weeks of digital surveillance and forensic investigation into a Pay-TV piracy network that authorities say was unlawfully streaming and reselling premium sports and entertainment channels to subscribers across Kenya.
According to KECOBO, the illegal streaming service was marketed via social media platforms and online marketplaces, offering consumers unauthorized access to paid channels at discounted prices — a direct violation of Kenya’s Copyright Act.
Piracy Operation Linked to Cybersecurity Threats
Investigations revealed that the illicit operation not only breached intellectual property laws but also exposed subscribers to severe cybersecurity and privacy risks.
Authorities found that users were required to share personal data and make payments through unverified digital platforms, exposing them to:
- Identity theft and data breaches
- Financial fraud through unsecured payment systems
- Malware infections from modified streaming apps and illegal websites
KECOBO warned that such piracy platforms often serve as gateways for cybercrime syndicates that harvest user data or inject malicious code into consumer devices.
KECOBO Issues Warning on Impact to Creative Sector
Speaking after the arrest, George Nyakweba, Acting Executive Director at KECOBO, emphasized that content piracy is a growing threat to Kenya’s creative and media industries.
“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,” Nyakweba said.
“Subscribing to such services exposes consumers to high cybersecurity risks, as their personal and financial data can be compromised or misused by criminal networks.”
He added that copyright infringement undermines Kenya’s creative economy, which is increasingly seen as a key pillar of national growth under the Digital Economy Blueprint.
“Unlicensed services evade taxation and regulatory oversight, resulting in substantial losses to the national treasury and legitimate businesses that contribute to Kenya’s creative and digital economy,” he noted.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Following his arrest, Mr. Singóei appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Eldoret on 7 October 2025, where he was charged with offenses related to copyright infringement and unlawful distribution of broadcast content.
He was released on a cash bail of KSh300,000 with a surety of the same amount, pending further investigations. The case has been set for pre-trial mention on 13 October 2025, as authorities consolidate digital forensic evidence and witness statements.
MultiChoice Commends Enforcement Action
MultiChoice Kenya, through its anti-piracy partners, lauded KECOBO, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and other enforcement bodies for their coordinated efforts to dismantle the network.
The broadcaster said it remains committed to protecting intellectual property rights and supporting a fair, regulated media environment that sustains local talent and content creators.
Piracy’s Broader Economic Toll
Industry analysts estimate that Kenya loses hundreds of millions of shillings annually to content piracy through lost taxes, reduced broadcaster revenues, and the erosion of jobs in creative production.
The Communications Authority (CA) and KECOBO have in recent months intensified joint digital enforcement campaigns, warning consumers against subscribing to illegal IPTV boxes, modified apps, and unauthorized streaming sites.
Legal Pay-TV operators have also stepped up cyber investigations and consumer education efforts to combat piracy’s spread through encrypted networks and peer-to-peer services.
What Consumers Should Know
KECOBO advises the public to:
- Subscribe only to licensed and verified Pay-TV providers.
- Avoid sharing personal data or making payments to unverified vendors.
- Report suspicious streaming services or piracy links via KECOBO’s Anti-Piracy Hotline or DCI’s Cybercrime Unit.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to using digital forensics, IP address tracing, and cross-agency coordination to pursue offenders and safeguard Kenya’s digital economy.
