Ghana has issued an ultimatum to MultiChoice, demanding a 30% reduction in DStv subscription prices by August 7, 2025 or face a suspension of its broadcasting licence. This has sparked debate even in Kenya where DStv subscribers are also reeling from recent price hikes that kicked in earlier this month.
Should Kenya consider following Ghana’s lead?
The directive was announced by Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George. It comes amid growing concerns about pay-TV affordability. George accused MultiChoice of hiding behind exchange rate losses, arguing that the Ghanaian cedi has stabilized and no longer justifies high pricing.
“My fidelity lies with the Ghanaian people. They have been cheated for years, and it is time we put an end to that,” he said.
Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has been instructed to begin suspension proceedings if MultiChoice fails to comply.
DStv Prices: Ghana vs Kenya vs Nigeria vs South Africa
Here is how the cost of DStv’s Premium package compares across four of the biggest markets in Africa.
| Country | DStv Premium (USD) | Local Currency (approx.) |
| Ghana | $82 | GHS 865 |
| Kenya | $90.56 | KES 11,700 |
| Nigeria | $29 | NGN 44,500 |
| South Africa | $44.73 | ZAR 799 |
Note: Prices as of August 2025. Currency conversions are approximate.
While differences in exchange rates, taxes, and operating costs vary by country, the disparities are stark, especially when comparing Ghana and Nigeria. Kenya, too, sits on the higher side and is the most expensive on the list.
Price Hikes in Kenya
MultiChoice Kenya increased its subscription rates in early August 2025, citing rising operational costs and forex pressures. But unlike Ghana, there has been no public response from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
As of publishing time, TechArena has reached out to CA for comment on whether it has any oversight or regulatory power over DStv’s pricing, and if any action is under consideration. As of writing this, CA is yet to respond to our questions.
Some industry analysts have long called for more transparency in how DStv prices are set in different markets. Digital rights advocates have also pointed to rising subscription costs as one factor driving piracy and the use of illegal streaming platforms, especially for sports content.
On platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), DStv subscribers in Kenya have voiced frustrations:
“I’m watching football on a pirated site… not because I didn’t want to pay, I tried but we have zero competition for sports streaming in Africa.”
What Can Kenya Do?
Whether or not Kenya has the same regulatory power as Ghana’s NCA remains unclear. But the growing affordability gap raises questions around market dominance and anti-competitive pricing, consumer protection in the Pay TV industry and the role of government in safeguarding digital access
With rising costs and declining subscriber numbers across Africa, MultiChoice may soon be forced to rethink its pricing model even without regulator pressure.
What Do You Think?
Should Kenya’s regulators intervene in DStv’s pricing model? Do you think we’re paying too much compared to other African markets?
Let us know in the comments or join the conversation on X, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
Also Read: DStv Packages in Kenya (August 2025), Prices, Channel List and Payment Methods
