MultiChoice Kenya has announced price adjustments for several DStv subscription packages. The new prices will take effect on November 1, 2024.
MultiChoice Kenya has announced that certain DStv subscription prices will increase effective November 1, 2024.
The adjustment is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to provide value to its customers while navigating the evolving entertainment landscape.
“Across the African continent, DStv continues to offer value to its customers with a variety of packages to choose from to keep the family entertained. DStv continues to look for ways to bring our customers the entertainment they love,” Nzola Miranda MultiChoice Kenya, Managing Director said in an emailed statement.
This price adjustment follows a previous increase in April 2024, which was also attributed to factors such as increased investments in local content and economic fluctuations.
Here’s a breakdown of the new prices
| DStv Residential Prices | New Price |
| Premium | 11000 |
| Compact Plus | 6800 |
| Compact | 3900 |
| Family | 2100 |
| Access | 1350 |
| Lite | 750 |
| French Touch | 1000 |
MultiChoice Faces Significant Losses Amidst Economic Challenges
The leading pay-TV group in South Africa, reported a substantial annual loss of USD 217 million (ZAR 4 billion) on revenues of USD 3 billion (ZAR 56 billion).
This financial setback is primarily attributed to macroeconomic challenges, prompting shareholders to explore potential solutions, including alternative ownership structures such as Canal+.
Devaluation and Inflation Impact Subscriber Base
In key markets like Nigeria and Ghana, economic hardships caused by devaluation and inflation have led to a decline in consumer spending power, resulting in a decrease in active subscribers.
Nigeria, for instance, saw a 15% reduction in active subscribers, dropping from 9.6 million to 8.1 million. This decline contributed to a decrease in Nigeria’s revenue contribution to MultiChoice’s Rest of Africa segment from 44% to 35%.
Remittance Losses and Economic Realities
Foreign exchange market volatility in Nigeria resulted in remittance losses of USD 59 million for MultiChoice. While this represents an improvement from the previous year’s losses, the company continues to face challenges in navigating the economic landscape.
Challenges in South Africa
Even in its home market, South Africa, MultiChoice experienced a 5% decline in active subscribers due to factors such as consistent load shedding. This uncertainty about power availability deterred customers from subscribing to pay-TV services.
Premium and Mass Market Segments Affected
The decline in active subscribers was particularly pronounced in the premium and mass market segments. Premium customers (including Premium and Compact Plus packages) decreased by 8% across all markets, while the mass market tier dropped by 2%.