DStv and GOtv subscribers in Kenya will continue to enjoy 12 top international channels in 2026 after Canal+ reached a last-minute deal with Warner Bros.
Discovery, averting a potential content disruption for millions of viewers. The agreement comes just as the previous contract expired at the end of December 2025, providing relief to MultiChoice customers amid weeks of uncertainty.
The multi-year arrangement ensures that Warner Bros. Discovery channels remain available in Kenya and 49 other African nations where MultiChoice operates.
From January, CNN International and Cartoon Network will remain exclusive to South Africa, but will be offered non-exclusively in other countries, including Kenya. Canal+ did not reveal the duration of the new contract, and MultiChoice had not responded to requests for comment at the time of the announcement.
Other channels continuing across MultiChoice platforms include Discovery Channel, Discovery Family, Real Time, ID, TLC, HGTV, Travel Channel, TNT Africa, and Food Network, mostly on a non-exclusive basis. Cartoon Network Porto will air exclusively in Angola and Mozambique, while being accessible non-exclusively elsewhere.
“This expanded agreement covers both the distribution of HBO Max and the renewal of several Warner Bros. Discovery thematic channels across numerous regions in Africa and Europe,” Canal+ said in a statement. The deal follows a period of concern after MultiChoice warned that the earlier distribution contract would end on December 31, 2025, without an agreement in place.
“The distribution agreement between MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery is scheduled to end on December 31, 2025. While discussions between the parties continue, no agreement has been reached at this stage,” MultiChoice said in early December.
The company had also cautioned subscribers that a failed deal could result in the removal of several Warner Bros. Discovery channels. “If this remains unchanged, a number of Warner Bros. Discovery channels may no longer be available on DStv from 1 January 2026.”
The renewed contract secures a vital part of MultiChoice’s offerings in family entertainment, news, and documentaries at a time when pay-TV platforms face growing competition from streaming services and a decline in subscriptions.
Losing these channels would have reduced the value of DStv and GOtv packages, as Warner Bros. content is included in premium and mid-tier options covering news, kids’ programming, and lifestyle shows.
Earlier in the year, MultiChoice had already lost four channels , BET Africa, MTV Base, CBS Reality, and CBS Justice – following the closure of Paramount Africa at the end of December. Pay-TV firms continue to face competition from streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Showmax, along with unauthorized online streaming, which has reduced subscription revenue.
MultiChoice remains Africa’s largest entertainment company, distributing the subscription streaming service Showmax alongside SuperSport channels, in addition to DStv and GOtv. The deal with Warner Bros. Discovery ensures subscribers continue accessing some of the most popular international channels on the continent.
