NAIROBI — More than 50,000 jobs could be created or safeguarded as Kenya moves to tackle digital piracy, which costs the country an estimated KSh92 billion annually.
The government has unveiled a new strategy to combat digital piracy following the release of a report showing that the illegal distribution of digital content is draining the economy by approximately KSh92 billion every year.
Speaking during the launch of the report, Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said the government will begin implementing recommendations from the National Steering Committee on Digital Piracy to protect creators’ rights, increase government revenue, and strengthen Kenya’s creative economy.
“The findings of this report are significant. Digital piracy costs Kenya approximately KSh92 billion every year, equivalent to nearly KSh252 million every day. It also deprives the National Treasury of about KSh17 billion in tax revenue annually,” Kabogo said.
According to the report, digital piracy continues to erode the earnings of musicians, filmmakers, authors, journalists, software developers, and sports broadcasters. Consumers who access pirated content are also exposed to cybersecurity risks, including malware, online fraud, and identity theft.
The report further indicates that effectively addressing digital piracy could create or preserve more than 50,000 jobs across Kenya’s creative and technology sectors.
To strengthen enforcement, the committee has recommended the establishment of a Joint Digital Piracy Enforcement Framework, coordinated by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in collaboration with the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), and the Copyright Tribunal.
Kabogo emphasized that the proposed framework has been designed with constitutional safeguards in mind.
“This framework includes strong safeguards. Every enforcement action will follow due legal process and comply with the Constitution, which protects both intellectual property rights and freedom of expression,” he said.
The report also recommends stronger protection for live sports broadcasts and other high-value digital content, alongside tougher enforcement measures against commercial-scale piracy networks.
Kabogo said the ministry will begin implementing the recommendations in the coming weeks through a nationwide public awareness campaign on the dangers of digital piracy. The government will also develop a National Digital Piracy Policy in consultation with industry stakeholders.
In addition, the government will work with the Office of the Attorney General and the Kenya Copyright Board to align the proposed legal reforms with the Copyright and Related Rights Bill, 2026, which is currently undergoing public consultation.
Concluding his remarks, Kabogo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting creators and expanding access to legitimate digital content.
“The government will continue supporting creators, enforcing the law against those who profit from copyright infringement, and working with industry stakeholders to ensure legal content is widely available and affordable,” he said.
