In a digital age dominated by streaming services, cable TV in Kenya is defying global trends by registering impressive growth.
Cable TV Subscriptions Surge by 31.5%
The Communications Authority of Kenya reports that cable TV subscriptions rose from 63,549 to 83,560 in the past year. This 31.5% increase is notable at a time when many countries are seeing declining cable usage.
Globally, “cord-cutting” has become the norm, with households opting for on-demand streaming platforms. But in Kenya, the story is evolving differently.
Zuku Leads Kenya’s Cable TV Revival
Local provider Zuku is at the forefront of this cable TV resurgence. Its triple-play package—which combines cable TV, internet, and telephone services—offers unmatched value to middle-income households.
Zuku’s success lies in:
- Affordable bundled pricing
- Stable TV and internet service
- A wide range of local and international channels
By offering a reliable alternative to standalone streaming services, Zuku has captured a significant slice of the urban market.
Why Are Kenyans Still Choosing Cable TV?
Despite the popularity of Netflix, Showmax, and YouTube, many Kenyan households continue to subscribe to cable TV. Here’s why:
- No dependence on fast internet: Cable TV works without relying on broadband, which remains spotty in some regions.
- Access to live and local content: From local news to religious programming and regional sports, cable remains culturally relevant.
- Shared family viewing: Cable supports a communal entertainment experience ideal for family settings.
Cable TV vs DTT vs DTH in Kenya
Kenya’s television landscape is built around three main technologies:
- Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT): Widely used due to low cost and broad reach but lacks premium content depth.
- Direct-to-Home (DTH): Satellite providers like DStv and GOtv dominate this space, offering quality but at higher prices.
- Cable TV: Still limited to urban areas, but its mix of entertainment, internet, and affordability gives it a growing edge.
As more households seek comprehensive and budget-friendly solutions, cable TV in Kenya is becoming a smart choice.
Innovation Keeps Cable TV Competitive
The recent surge in subscriptions signals that traditional media isn’t dead—it just needs to evolve. By integrating internet and voice services, cable providers like Zuku are staying competitive in a streaming-driven world.
For urban dwellers in Kenya, cable remains reliable, affordable, and relevant—a testament to how local innovation can reshape global trends.
