This archive report was first published on 2 November 2019.
Since its inception in Kenya 24 years ago, Multichoice has been at the forefront of revolutionising the entertainment industry. The company's partnership with national broadcaster KBC in 1995 marked the beginning of a new era in entertainment delivery in the country.
Through its DStv and GOtv platforms, Multichoice has not only enabled growth and diversification of revenue streams in East Africa's economic hub but has also contributed significantly to the country's economy.
According to a report by Accenture, Multichoice has been a key contributor to the country's procurement of goods and services, with associated ripple effects that can be felt throughout the economy.
Billions Invested in Kenya through Entertainment ¶
Over the past three years, the company has contributed Sh 59.3 billion to the Kenyan GDP for the period between April 2015 and March 2019.
Direct taxes paid amounted to Sh 1.8 billion, while Sh 7.1 billion has been paid in indirect taxes. The company has also earned Sh 124 million in regulatory fee contributions, generating Sh 11.4 billion in GDP.
Kenya has benefitted from the company's digital entertainment platform, with Sh 22.6 billion contributed to the country's economy over the past three years in training, taxes, regulatory fees, and digital entertainment.
Producing content is a long and tedious process, but Multichoice continues to commission programmes that will keep fans entertained. The company's Event and Corporate Affairs Manager, Phillip Wahome, notes that local content goes through rigorous vetting before it makes it on air.
Demand for Kenyan Content ¶
With the demand for more Kenyan content on the rise, Multichoice has created a channel airing local programmes, which eventually became Maisha Magic East.
While demand is on the increase, not just any show will make the cut, and Wahome notes that the rigorous vetting process also leaves many people angry if their shows are not picked.
Producing shows is not a cheap affair, and some producers feel that Multichoice's requirements before taking in a show idea lock them out of the screen.
Wahome encourages producers not to despair, saying, 'Think long term and to at least invest in creating a pilot, which can also be shot on the phone. Try moving your idea to the next level, beyond written words.'
