MultiChoice is shifting its streaming strategy in Kenya, folding its Showmax Originals into its flagship streaming platform as the standalone Showmax service prepares to shut down at the end of April.
The company said its library of African originals and select international titles will be housed בתוך a dedicated Showmax section within DStv Stream, consolidating content previously spread across services. The move comes ahead of the planned discontinuation of Showmax on April 30, 2026.
MultiChoice is pitching the transition as a way to preserve the reach of its locally produced content while broadening access to live television, sport and international programming in a single app.
“Showmax helped unlock a wave of world-class African storytelling,” said Nzola Miranda, managing director of MultiChoice Kenya. He cited titles such as Single Kiasi and The Real Housewives of Nairobi as examples of productions developed through partnerships with local creators, adding that the company’s commitment to African storytelling would continue under the new structure.
Promotional push to retain subscribers
To ease the transition, MultiChoice is offering eligible Showmax subscribers free access to DStv Stream’s Compact package through May 30. After the trial period, selected users will be offered a discounted subscription of KES 550 ($4.20) per month for 12 months, significantly below the standard price of about KES 4,200.
The offer targets customers who subscribed directly to Showmax but do not already have an active DStv account. Existing DStv subscribers who already receive Showmax content as part of their package are excluded.
The company said subscribers will need to actively sign up for DStv Stream and create a new profile, rather than being automatically migrated. Those who opt out can request refunds for unused portions of their Showmax subscriptions.
Bundling strategy
The integration reflects a broader industry trend toward consolidation in streaming, as companies seek to reduce churn and improve monetization by bundling content offerings.
By combining Showmax Originals with live channels, sports via SuperSport, and a wider on-demand catalog, MultiChoice is positioning DStv Stream as a more comprehensive entertainment hub. The platform includes features such as offline downloads and “Watch From Start,” aimed at improving user experience across mobile devices and smart TVs.
DStv Compact, Compact Plus and Premium subscribers will also gain access to Showmax content on the platform at no additional cost.
Content lineup
The new Showmax section will feature a mix of local and international programming, including titles such as Big Girl Small World, Subterranea and Adulting, alongside global franchises like The Real Housewives. Live sports—including the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League and LaLiga—remain a key draw through SuperSport.
Unlike Showmax Premier League, which was limited to mobile viewing, DStv Stream will allow access across both mobile devices and connected TVs, expanding viewing options for sports fans.
The shutdown of Showmax as a standalone platform marks the end of an era for one of Africa’s most prominent streaming services, even as its content finds a new home within MultiChoice’s broader digital ecosystem.
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