The government has unveiled an ambitious national strategy to combat digital piracy after a newly released report estimated that the illegal distribution and consumption of copyrighted content costs Kenya approximately Sh92 billion annually, depriving the Exchequer of an estimated Sh17 billion in tax revenue every year.
Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo received the Report of the National Steering Committee on Digital Piracy on Thursday, describing it as a major milestone in the country's efforts to protect intellectual property, support the creative economy and strengthen digital security.
The committee was established in March following the first National Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Digital Piracy, where the Cabinet Secretary directed the formation of a national task force under a 100-day Rapid Results Initiative.
According to the report, digital piracy is costing the country nearly Sh252 million every day, while significantly reducing earnings for musicians, filmmakers, authors, journalists, software developers and sports broadcasters.
The report also warns that digital piracy extends beyond copyright infringement, exposing consumers to malware, online fraud and identity theft while increasingly being linked to transnational organized crime.
Kabogo said the findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated national action to curb the growing threat.
"I received the Report of the National Steering Committee on Digital Piracy. In March this year, I convened the first National Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Digital Piracy and directed the establishment of a national steering committee," Kabogo said.
He noted that the committee brought together representatives from government, regulators, broadcasters, rights holders, internet service providers, civil society and academia to develop a comprehensive national framework for addressing digital piracy.
"That Committee, drawing together Government, regulators, broadcasters, rights holders, internet service providers, civil society and academia, has delivered a comprehensive national framework within its 100-day Rapid Result Initiative mandate," he said.
The report estimates that decisive action against digital piracy could create or sustain more than 50,000 quality jobs across Kenya's creative and technology sectors by ensuring creators and rights holders receive fair compensation for their work.
At the centre of the proposed reforms is the establishment of an Inter-Agency Digital Piracy Enforcement Framework, which will be coordinated by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.
The framework will bring together the Kenya Copyright Board, the Communications Authority of Kenya, the Media Council of Kenya and the Copyright Tribunal to coordinate enforcement efforts and ensure copyright violations are addressed promptly.
According to the report, the framework places particular emphasis on protecting live sporting events and premium digital content, while targeting persistent commercial-scale copyright offenders who profit from illegal distribution.
Kabogo emphasized that the proposed enforcement measures will be implemented within the law and with respect for constitutional rights.
"The framework contains strong safeguards. Every enforcement action will be subject to due process, consistent with the Constitution's protection of both intellectual property and freedom of expression," he said.
The Cabinet Secretary announced that the ministry will immediately begin implementing several recommendations outlined in the report. Among the first steps will be the launch of a nationwide public awareness campaign aimed at educating Kenyans about the economic and security risks associated with digital piracy.
The ministry will also begin developing a National Policy on Digital Piracy through a multi-stakeholder consultation process involving government agencies, industry players and other stakeholders.
In addition, the government will work with the Office of the Attorney-General and the Kenya Copyright Board to harmonise the committee's proposed legal reforms with the Copyright and Related Rights Bill, 2026, which is currently undergoing public consultation.
Kabogo reiterated the government's commitment to protecting creators while making legitimate digital content more accessible to consumers. "The government will continue to support creators, enforce the law against those who profit from infringement, and work with industry to make legal content more accessible and affordable," he said.
He also commended the committee for completing its work within the stipulated timeframe, thanking Chairperson Waweru Kimani, Vice Chairperson Roy Gitahi and all members for their contribution.
The report is expected to shape Kenya's future policy and legislative approach to digital copyright protection as the country seeks to strengthen its digital economy, safeguard intellectual property rights and create a more secure online environment for creators, businesses and consumers.