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Thursday, 29 October 2026
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DStv Kenya Cuts Packages to Four: New Prices, Football Changes and What Subscribers Need to Know

DStv Kenya has announced a major restructuring of its subscription packages, reducing the lineup from six packages to four and introducing a new entry-level option priced at KSh 750 per month.

The changes, announced by MultiChoice Kenya on October 26, 2026, are scheduled to take effect on November 5. The new packages will be called Starter, Select, Sports and Ultimate, with the company promising a simpler selection of entertainment, movies and live sports for Kenyan households.

The announcement is significant for subscribers who have complained about the cost of pay television, particularly football fans who previously had to pay considerably more to access premium sporting competitions. The new lineup also reduces the monthly cost of the top-tier package by KSh 4,400.

 DStv’s Four New Packages and Monthly Prices

According to the company’s published package guide, the revised prices will be as follows:

Package                      Monthly price               Advertised channel count 

DStv Starter                          KSh 750                                                   116+
DStv Select                            KSh 1,500                                                149+
DStv Sports                           KSh 3,000                                                159+
DStv Ultimate                      KSh 7,300                                                 180+

The prices apply to both satellite subscriptions and DStv Stream, according to the company. Subscribers should nevertheless confirm the exact package and billing details through official self-service channels before making changes.

What Does the KSh 750 Starter Package Offer?

DStv Starter is the entry-level package, aimed at households looking for relatively affordable entertainment without paying for the most expensive subscription.

The package includes local and international entertainment, children’s programming, movies and selected live football. Channels and content highlighted by DStv include Maisha Magic Plus, Maisha Magic Loko, SuperSport LaLiga, SuperSport KICKOFF, Cartoon Network, Africa Magic Epic and Movie Legends.

However, the presence of football on Starter does not mean subscribers will receive every major match. SuperSport KICKOFF offers selected matches from competitions including the English Premier League, while LaLiga content is also included.

For viewers who mainly watch local television productions, drama, children’s programmes and occasional football, Starter may cover many of their needs. Those who follow a particular team and want to watch its matches regularly should check the fixture and channel arrangements before subscribing.

 DStv Select: A Mid-Range Entertainment Option

At KSh 1,500 per month, DStv Select builds on Starter with a wider selection of entertainment.

The company highlights additional movie and series content, including M-Net Movies+ and M-Net Stars, alongside more children’s channels, local productions and selected sports.

This package may appeal to families who prioritise films, series and general entertainment over comprehensive live football coverage.

The important consideration is that a higher channel count does not automatically mean a better fit for every household. Subscribers should compare the specific channels they watch rather than selecting a package based only on the advertised number of channels.

 DStv Sports: What Football Fans Should Know

The new Sports package costs KSh 3,000 per month and is one of the most notable elements of the restructuring.

DStv says Sports includes the entertainment channels available on Starter and Select, alongside comprehensive football coverage. The company lists every English Premier League match and every UEFA Champions League match among the package’s offerings. It also includes UEFA Europa League and Conference League coverage, as well as combat sports such as UFC and WWE.

Previously, DStv’s Compact package cost KSh 4,200 per month, according to Techweez’s comparison of the old and new prices. The new Sports package therefore represents a KSh 1,200 monthly reduction against that price reference, although subscribers should compare the actual channel lineups rather than assume the old and new packages are identical.

The new package also introduces SuperSport Swahili, which is intended to make selected sports coverage available in Swahili.

For football fans, the main distinction is straightforward: Starter offers selected matches, while Sports is the package DStv identifies for viewers who want all Premier League and Champions League matches.

 DStv Ultimate: The New Price of Premium Entertainment

DStv Ultimate will cost KSh 7,300 per month and offer more than 180 channels.

It combines content from the lower packages with additional premium sporting events, including Formula 1, MotoGP, cricket, rugby, tennis and major golf tournaments. It also provides a broader selection of movies, series and international entertainment.

The previous Premium package was priced at KSh 11,700 per month. The reduction to KSh 7,300 represents a monthly saving of KSh 4,400 for subscribers comparing those listed prices.

That is a substantial reduction, but households should still consider whether they regularly watch the premium sports and entertainment content included in the package before committing to the monthly cost.

Why Is DStv Changing Its Packages?

MultiChoice says the restructuring is intended to simplify its offering, improve the relevance of its content and provide customers with clearer choices.

The changes also arrive amid pressure on traditional pay-TV services from rising household expenses and online streaming platforms. Capital FM reported that MultiChoice had lost more than 57,000 combined DStv and GOtv subscribers during the first half of 2026, citing Communications Authority of Kenya data.

The revised packages appear designed to give customers more accessible entry points while placing comprehensive football and premium sports in clearly defined tiers. Whether the changes attract former subscribers back will depend on the content available, the overall cost and how well the packages match viewers’ preferences.

 What Subscribers Should Check Before Switching

Although the KSh 750 starting price may attract attention, subscribers should examine the details before changing packages.

1. Confirm that your favourite channels are included. Check the current channel list for the programmes, news channels, movies, children’s content and local productions your household watches most.

2. Check football coverage carefully. If you follow the Premier League or Champions League, distinguish between selected live matches and access to every match. Do not assume that all football competitions are available on Starter or Select.

3. Compare your current monthly bill with the new price. A package may be cheaper than your old subscription but still cost more than your household budget allows. Calculate the annual cost as well as the monthly payment.

4. Understand the migration process. DStv says migration to the new packages will begin on November 5 and will take place in phases. Some existing customers will be migrated automatically, while others may remain on their current package until affected. Check your account rather than assuming that every subscriber will change at once.

5. Confirm whether you need new equipment. DStv says existing decoders will continue working and that a hardware upgrade is not required for the package changes. New customers should separately confirm decoder, dish and installation costs.

6. Compare satellite and streaming options. The company says the four packages will also be available on DStv Stream at the same listed prices. Streaming subscribers should consider their internet reliability, data costs and device compatibility before choosing how to watch.

7. Use official DStv channels. Check your current subscription through the MyDStv app, DStv’s website, WhatsApp self-service or customer care. Review the official DStv Kenya package guide before making a final decision.

Will the New Packages Benefit Every Subscriber?

Not necessarily. A household that mainly watches local entertainment may find the Starter package sufficient, while a family seeking more movies and series may prefer Select. Football enthusiasts who want comprehensive Premier League and Champions League coverage will need to pay more for Sports, while viewers interested in Formula 1, MotoGP, tennis and premium golf may consider Ultimate.

The main change is not simply the reduction in the number of packages. It is the way DStv is reorganising content around different viewing needs and price points.

With the new lineup due to take effect on November 5, subscribers have an opportunity to reassess what they watch and what they are willing to pay. The sensible approach is to compare the actual channels, sports rights and total monthly cost before switching, rather than choosing a package solely because its advertised price appears attractive.

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Written by Juma S Gift

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