The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has arrested a man accused of running an online piracy network that illegally distributed copyrighted television content owned by licensed broadcasters.

The suspect was apprehended in Kiplombe, Uasin Gishu County, following a coordinated operation that came after months of digital surveillance.

According to investigators, the man operated an unlawful business distributing and reselling unauthorised streams of premium television channels, including leading sports and entertainment networks.

KECOBO reported that the suspect used social media platforms and various online channels to market the illegal Pay-TV streams, offering consumers access to restricted content at a fraction of the legitimate subscription cost.

Authorities further disclosed that the piracy network relied on unregulated digital infrastructure, which exposed users to significant cybersecurity risks without their awareness. Consumers were also compelled to share personal information and make payments through unsecured digital channels, increasing their vulnerability to data breaches and financial fraud.

Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the pirated streams were accessed through modified applications embedded with malicious software.

KECOBO Acting Executive Director George Nyakweba warned that digital piracy continues to erode Kenya’s creative industry and deter investment in local productions and sports broadcasting.

“Illegal distribution of copyrighted material deprives creators and broadcasters of their rightful income and discourages investment in local content creation, sports development, and media employment,” Nyakweba said.

He added that KECOBO, together with broadcasters and enforcement partners, is intensifying its crackdown on digital piracy syndicates.

“We will keep working closely with rights holders and enforcement bodies to identify and prosecute offenders. Unlicensed services not only evade taxation but also undermine legitimate enterprises that support Kenya’s digital and creative economy,” he stated.

The suspect was later 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 and a surety of a similar amount, pending a pre-trial mention scheduled for Monday next week.