Crackdown on Piracy: New Bill Targets Illegal Streaming with 48-Hour Shutdown Rule

Kenya could soon take a tougher stand against illegal streaming if a new proposal before the Parliament of Kenya becomes law. The draft seeks to rein in the widespread sharing of pirated movies, TV shows and live sports online.

The proposed Copyright and Related Rights Bill, 2026 introduces stricter rules for digital platforms. It gives copyright owners the ability to trigger swift action against websites hosting stolen content. Internet providers would be expected to respond quickly once a complaint is filed.

At the heart of the proposal is a strict timeline. Service providers would have just 48 hours to block access to flagged websites after receiving a valid notice. The aim is to stop illegal streams before they spread widely, especially during live broadcasts.

The plan is being driven by the Kenya Copyright Board, which says piracy has been eating into revenues for content creators and broadcasters. Industry players argue that illegal streaming has made it harder to sustain subscription-based services.

To make enforcement faster, the Bill assigns a key role to the Copyright Disputes Tribunal. The body would review applications from rights holders and make decisions within 72 hours. This would allow quicker shutdowns of offending platforms.

The proposed law also casts a wider net. Search engines, social media companies and video-sharing platforms could be required to limit access to pirated content. Failure to comply may lead to fines, with repeat violations attracting tougher penalties.

Live sports and premium entertainment are a major focus. Rights holders have raised concern over how quickly illegal streams spread during major events, cutting into legitimate viewership.

The push for reform follows previous legal fights, including cases involving MultiChoice, which sought to block unauthorised sports streaming platforms.

If approved, the new law could mark a turning point in Kenya’s fight against digital piracy, giving authorities sharper tools to protect creative content in an increasingly online world.