Kenya has released findings from a National Steering Committee on digital Piracy, estimating losses of $712 million (KES92 billion) annually and proposing a new inter-agency enforcement framework.
The report highlights the scale of piracy’s economic impact and the need for coordinated enforcement.
Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy of Kenya, William Kabogo Gitau, released the report on 30 July, five months after establishing the committee.
The committee, comprising government agencies, regulators, broadcasters, rights holders, internet service providers, civil society and academia, delivered its findings within a 100-day mandate.
According to the report, piracy costs Kenya about $1.95 million (KES252 million) daily and results in tax revenue losses of approximately $131.5 million (KES17 billion) annually.
“It reduces earnings for musicians, filmmakers, authors, journalists, software developers and sports broadcasters, exposes consumers to malware, fraud and identity theft, and is increasingly linked to organised crime,” Kabogo said.
He said tackling piracy could create or sustain more than 50,000 jobs in Kenya’s creative and technology sectors.
The report recommends establishing an Inter-Agency Digital Piracy Enforcement Framework, coordinated by the ministry and involving the Kenya Copyright Board, Communications Authority of Kenya, Media Council of Kenya and Copyright Tribunal.
The framework targets large-scale infringers and prioritises protection of premium content, including live sports.
Kabogo said safeguards are included to ensure enforcement complies with constitutional protections for intellectual property and freedom of expression.
The ministry said it will launch a national awareness campaign, develop a National Policy on Digital Piracy and align proposed legislative amendments with the Copyright and Related Rights Bill, 2026.
“The government will continue to support creators, enforce the law and work with industry to make legal content more accessible and affordable,” Kabogo said.
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