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DStv and GOtv Decoder Prices Slashed in Festive Offer

Phinadon Mag

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MultiChoiceKenya cuts DStv and GOtv decoder prices in a festive-season campaign to attract new customers after losing millions of subscribers across Africa amid rising competition and shifting viewing habits.

MultiChoiceKenya has announced a major price reduction on its DStv and GOtv decoders as part of a festive-season promotion aimed at regaining market share after losing over three million subscribers in the past year.

Under the new offer, new customers will pay KES 850 ($6.60) for a DStv Zapper decoder, down from KES 1,199 ($9.30), and KES 799 ($6.20) for a GOtv decoder, down from KES 999 ($7.70). Dish kits and antennas have also been discounted, with the promotion running until December 31, 2025.

Price Cuts Mirror South African Strategy

The move mirrors similar price reductions in South Africa, where MultiChoice, now wholly owned by French broadcaster Canal+, slashed the retail price of its HD DStv decoders by 30% and offered over 40% discounts on its new DStv online store.

The company’s latest financial report for the year ending March 2025 revealed a loss of 2.8 million active TV customers across Africa over two years, with half of those losses recorded in South Africa, where DStv subscriptions fell by 8% in 2025 alone.

Sharp Decline in Kenyan Subscriptions

In Kenya, the decline has been even more dramatic. According to the Communications Authority, DStv subscriptions dropped from 1.2 million to 188,824 by June 2025, while GOtv fell from 2.8 million to 314,520.

The two brands accounted for most of the 77% contraction in Kenya’s broadcasting market. Across Africa, MultiChoice has now lost over six million subscribers in less than two years — a steep correction marking one of the toughest periods in the company’s history.

Competition and Market Shifts

Industry analysts attribute the decline to rising competition from streaming platforms and changing consumer preferences. Many households are abandoning traditional pay-TV for cheaper, flexible digital options.

Netflix’s mobile plan starts at KES 200 ($1.55) per month, while Showmax, MultiChoice’s own streaming service, offers its entertainment plan from KES 200 ($2). The growing availability of pirated sports feeds and free-to-air channels has further eroded the company’s market share.

Frequent subscription fee hikes have also alienated long-time customers. MultiChoice has raised prices five times in three years, with DStv Premium now costing about KES 11,700 ($91) monthly.

MultiChoice Kenya’s Response

Nzola Miranda, Managing Director of MultiChoice Kenya, said the festive offer is part of the company’s renewed effort to make its services more accessible.

He added that the company remains committed to providing affordable entertainment and value-driven packages for Kenyan households.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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