Kenya moves to let courts order ISPs to block illegal livestreams

Kenya could soon compel internet service providers to block websites streaming pirated sports and entertainment events under a proposed overhaul of the country’s copyright law.

A draft Copyright and Related Rights Bill, 2026, published by the Kenya Copyright Board for public comment in March, introduces new rules on intermediary liability that would allow courts to order internet service providers and online platforms to block access to illegal streams.

The proposed bill focuses on live broadcasts, where delays in enforcement can wipe out the value of broadcast rights. It also introduces site-blocking powers and a formal notice-and-takedown system for online copyright infringement as the government moves to curb piracy that has spread alongside streaming platforms.

Under Part X of the bill, which governs liability for online intermediaries, courts could issue blocking orders requiring internet service providers to restrict access to domains distributing infringing content. The provision specifically targets piracy during live broadcasts, where delays in enforcement can make legal remedies ineffective.

The bill provides for “site-blocking orders for online infringement, including for live events and other time-sensitive content.”

That mechanism would allow rights holders to seek urgent court orders to disable access to websites or servers hosting illegal streams of sports matches, concerts and other live programming. Pirated livestreams often spread quickly across mirror sites and social media, making enforcement difficult under existing copyright rules.

The proposed bill also establishes a notice-and-takedown process similar to frameworks used in the United States and Europe. Platforms hosting user-generated content would be required to remove or disable access to material identified as infringing once they receive a valid takedown notice.

Users accused of infringement would have the right to file counter-notices disputing claims, triggering a process to restore the material unless the complainant seeks legal action.

Online intermediaries that comply with the requirements could qualify for “safe harbour” protection from liability for infringing material posted by users. Those who ignore valid notices or blocking orders could face legal exposure under the law.

Broadcasters and content owners like MultiChoice have long argued that piracy, particularly of live sports, erodes revenue from expensive broadcast rights and subscription services. Illegal streams of major football leagues and pay-TV events circulate widely across websites and messaging platforms like Telegram, often reaching thousands of viewers within minutes of going live.

The proposed law would replace Kenya’s Copyright Act of 2001, which predates large-scale streaming platforms and modern forms of digital piracy. The bill also updates rules on online intermediaries, digital royalty distribution and copyright enforcement as Kenya seeks to align its intellectual property regime with global digital markets.