Kenyan authorities bust illegal streaming operation in Nairobi

The operation, aimed at curbing illegal distribution of pirated content, led to the confiscation of equipment, including five mobile phones, two VOIP headsets, three CPUs, 12 hard drives, one laptop, four internet switches and one optical line terminal.

This intervention has disrupted the services provided to approximately 3 000 subscribers in Kasarani, Mwiki and Santon areas who were illegally accessing premium content such as English Premier League matches through the WeCast App.

Investigations revealed that WeCast App is installed on a client’s mobile phone or digital television upon subscription to Lime Fiber Internet and login details provided by the perpetrators. 

Two individuals associated with Lime Fiber have been apprehended, and the Police Cybercrime Unit will conduct a forensic analysis to provide a comprehensive report on the extent of their unlawful activities.  Section 36 (6) of the Copyright Act makes such infringement a criminal offence, with a fine of a maximum of Ksh800 000 ($5 000) and/or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.

PAP, a multi-sectoral association formed to combat piracy, remains steadfast in upholding the law and protecting intellectual property.  In a December 2021 report, PAP estimates that piracy costs the country’s creative economy approximately Ksh92bn annually, or Ksh252m daily, in gross losses.  The report reveals, for instance, that piracy deprives the music industry of Ksh15bn and TV stations of Ksh8bn annually.

“The distribution of pirated content by ISPs like Lime Fiber not only undermines the Kenyan economy but also harms the entertainment industry and content creators,” PAP chairperson Mike Strano said. “The distribution of pirated content by ISPs like Lime Fiber not only undermines the Kenyan economy but also harms the entertainment industry and content creators.  This illicit activity deprives rightful owners of their due revenue and impacts the overall investment in quality content creation.

“Additionally, it creates unfair competition for other ISPs, video-on-demand services and broadcasters operating within the legal framework by adhering to copyright laws and ethical business practices, as well as paying taxes. This illicit activity deprives rightful owners of their due revenue and impacts the overall investment in quality content creation.”

An Irdeto survey has indicated that piracy is gaining traction, with users in five major African territories, including Kenya, making 17.4 million visits to the top 10 identified piracy sites on the internet in three months.

Furthermore, a 2009 research by Rand Corporation, titled Film Piracy and its Connection to Organised Crime and Terrorism,  showed that there is compelling evidence of a broad and continuing connection between film piracy and organised crime.  “Piracy is high in payoff – with profit margins greater than those of illegal narcotics – and low in risk, often taking place under the radar of law enforcement,” the report said. “In addition, terrorist groups have in some cases used the proceeds of film piracy to finance their activities. Besides being a threat to the global information economy, counterfeiting threatens public safety and national security.”

Related article: Content piracy: Kenya’s little understood multibillion shilling crime