Kenya's television landscape has changed more in the last two years than in the previous decade. Streaming platforms and rising subscription costs pushed many households away from traditional pay-TV — and then, in a genuine surprise to the industry, DStv and GOtv subscriptions rebounded sharply as viewers returned for live sport and local channels streaming alone couldn't replace.
Why People Left Pay-TV
The biggest driver was cost — premium pay-TV bouquets saw several price increases over a few years, pushing many budget-conscious households toward cheaper streaming alternatives or, less ideally, piracy.
Why Many Are Coming Back
Streaming alone doesn't replace everything pay-TV offers. Live sport, breaking news, and local Kenyan channels remain much stronger on DStv and GOtv than on most streaming catalogues, and that gap has driven a genuine rebound in subscriptions.
The Real Answer: It's Not Either/Or
Most Kenyan households in 2026 are running a hybrid setup — a pay-TV decoder for live sport and local content, alongside one or two streaming subscriptions for on-demand shows and movies. Both depend on the same foundation: a reliable internet or satellite connection and a properly installed decoder or streaming device.
Getting DStv Installed Properly Matters
A poorly aligned dish is one of the most common causes of signal dropouts during rain — exactly when you want your connection most reliable. Professional installation with proper signal alignment and clean cabling makes a bigger difference to your viewing experience than which decoder tier you choose.
What to Consider When Choosing a Decoder
- Single View — for one TV, most affordable
- Extra View / Dual decoder — for two TVs sharing one subscription
- Explora — adds Catch Up, BoxOffice, and the ability to record one channel while watching another
Fimnet handles DStv installation for homes and businesses across Kenya — free dish alignment, signal optimization, and same-day installation in most coverage areas.
View our DStv installation packages to get set up properly the first time.