The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has arrested a man linked to an online piracy network that illegally distributed copyrighted television content belonging to licensed broadcasters.
The suspect was arrested in Kiplombe, Uasin Gishu County, after a coordinated operation that followed months of digital surveillance.
According to authorities, the suspect was running an illegal enterprise distributing and reselling unauthorised streams of premium television channels, including popular sports and entertainment networks.
KECOBO revealed that the suspect marketed the illegal Pay-TV streams through social media accounts and various online platforms, offering consumers access to restricted content at a fraction of legitimate subscription costs.
At the same time, investigators further revealed that the illegal streaming network operated on unregulated digital infrastructure, exposing users to multiple cybersecurity threats without their knowledge.
Additionally, consumers were reportedly required to share personal information and make payments through unsecured digital channels, putting them at risk of data breaches and financial fraud.
Preliminary findings also linked the pirated streams to modified applications loaded with malicious software.
KECOBO Acting Executive Director George Nyakweba warned that digital piracy continues to undermine Kenya’s creative economy and investment in local productions and sports broadcasting.
''Illegal distribution of copyrighted content deprives creators and broadcasters of their rightful earnings and discourages investment in local production, sports development, and employment within the media sector,'' Nyakweba said.
He added that KECOBO, working alongside broadcasters and enforcement agencies, is intensifying surveillance on digital piracy syndicates.
''We will continue working closely with rights holders and other enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute these offenders. Unlicensed services evade taxation and regulatory oversight, resulting in losses to the national treasury and legitimate businesses that support Kenya’s digital and creative economy,'' he stated.
Following the operation, the suspect was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Eldoret, where he was charged with copyright infringement under the Copyright Act, 2001.
He was released on a cash bail of Ksh300,000 with a surety of the same amount pending the pre-trial mention set for Monday next week.
