AFCON 2023: KBC Fires Stern Warning To Media Houses

The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) has cautioned other media houses against infringement of the corporation’s exclusive broadcasting rights of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In a statement issued by the KBC Acting Managing Director Paul Macharia, the state broadcaster insisted that it is the only media house in Kenya with free-to-air rights for all 52 AFCON matches.

Macharia noted that the rights included privileges to record AFCON content, thus media houses were warned against using or broadcasting AFCON content without its permission.

KBC further warned that any media house or outlet caught doing the contrary would face legal action.

KBC Acting Managing Director Paul Macharia addressing the media on January 12, 2024. /MINISTRY OF SPORTS

“Please be advised that no other media or news outlet in Kenya has these exclusive free-to-air rights for live and recorded TV, radio and digital broadcasts and commentary,” said Macharia.

“Kindly note that any infringement or violation of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s license shall be detrimental to KBC and its global partners at large. Any such infringement or violation shall be addressed to you via prompt written notice to cease and desist, and where necessary through adequate legal action by KBC and all concerned parties.”

KBC is the only media house in Kenya with exclusive rights to show all 52 matches of the Africa Cup of Nations and has been doing so for all group matches, save for a selection from matches which kicked off simultaneously.

Kenyans however have several options to catch the games following the announcement by South African-based TV giant, Supersport that it had won the rights to show all the 52 games, two days before the start of the tournament.

Supersport is heavily relied on by sports fans for competitions such as the English Premier League, UEFA Champions, Europa and Conference Leagues, Formula 1, and athletics competitions among others. The AFCON matches will be available on DStv as well as GOtv across Africa.

The tournament's significant popularity globally also saw United Kingdom (UK) TV giant Sky Sports secure rights to show the matches. To be specific, a series of African football stars such as Mohammed Salah, Nicholas Jackson, and Victor Oshimen among others play in Europe's top five leagues such as the Premier League and Serie A.

The continental tournament began on January 13, 2024, with 24 countries participating in the tournament being held in Ivory Coast.