Millions of Kenyan football fanatics are set to enjoy a rare treat following a landmark simulcast partnership between Kenya’s TV47 and Dubai-based SportyTv allowing access to Europe’s top tier football matches on the free-to-air television from the start of the upcoming 2025/2026 season.
The fans now won’t have to part with the current costly TV subscriptions, instead they will have an opportunity to watch live matches from the English Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and Laliga on TV47 as the pact between the two parties covers this.
Only 15% of Kenya’s households according to a 2023 Communications Authority of Kenya subscribe to pay-Tv therefore this free-to-air initiative strategically positions TV47 as a leading destination for sports lovers. It also adds to the recent successful acquisition of the rights for the Kenyan Premier League and its widely acclaimed coverage of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Under the ownership of Cape Media Ltd, TV47 and Radio 47 have quickly risen to become one of the top news sources especially for the youthful Kenyan population covering every sector with an estimated online streaming reaching 8 million views weekly.
Apart from online streaming services, it’s platforms are also available on Startimes, PANG, ZUKU, DSTV,GoTV and SIGNET.
On the other hand, SportyTV, owned by Dubai-based ACE Broadcasting, has over the past few years rapidly made in roads in Africa especially in South Africa and Nigeria where it has made similar partnerships. The broadcaster has successfully managed to blend international sports coverage and local football to the satisfaction of fans without the traditional costly subscriptions.
In Kenya, SportyTV’s content can be accessed via its partnership channels, with more interactive digital platforms expected to roll out in the near future.
TV47’s broadcasts will be complemented by in-depth analysis and commentary from renowned Radio 47’s sports personalities like Tony Kwalanda, Kartellah Maicy, Duncan Mutua ,Fred Arocho, Lucky Herriano and Ali Hassan Kauleni on Sports shows like 90+ every Monday at 10 PM and Sports Extravaganza every Saturday.
