Govt To Shut Down 84 Websites, Including Movie Streaming, After Ruto Orders

The government is preparing to block dozens of websites accused of facilitating movie piracy in Kenya in a fresh push to protect local filmmakers and strengthen the country’s creative economy.

Head of Creative Economy and Presidential Special Projects Dennis Itumbi disclosed that authorities had already identified several platforms allegedly distributing pirated films and television content to Kenyan audiences.

Speaking on the matter, Itumbi argued that illegal streaming sites had dealt a major blow to local content creators by denying them revenue and limiting opportunities to monetise their productions on legitimate global platforms.

He revealed that consultations with filmmakers and stakeholders in the creative sector had intensified in recent days as the government seeks lasting solutions to digital piracy.

“Just before recording this video, I got something from Filmmaker’s Hangout, who were asking for a meeting to give their contribution on this. I have received about 15 people who want to contribute, and I really appreciate it,” he stated.

Itumbi added that he had spent the past four days engaging industry players, reviewing proposals, and studying anti-piracy measures adopted in other countries, adding that the operation is being coordinated jointly with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the Ministry of ICT’s Standing Committee on Piracy.

Among websites identified in the crackdown are Goojara.co, ftmovies.co, 123Movies, and Streamx.sa, platforms Itumbi claimed attract millions of users searching for free movies and television series. “Some of them will break your hearts, but we have to do what we have to do to protect the creative economy,” he cautioned.

According to Itumbi, authorities have compiled a list of about 84 websites that could soon be blacklisted in Kenya.

The move follows mounting complaints from filmmakers who have long maintained that piracy continues to erode earnings from licensed streaming platforms, television distribution, and cinema screenings. Industry stakeholders argue that widespread unauthorised sharing of films discourages investment in the sector and undermines the sustainability of original Kenyan productions.

Itumbi disclosed that the government had already launched a pilot phase ahead of the anticipated shutdown of the targeted websites. “Because I have a job to save, the sites will go down,” he remarked.

Because I have a job to save, these movie piracy websites, including https://t.co/DCAszSWIhk, 123movies, will go down- Dennis Itumbi pic.twitter.com/HsHDlCTopJ — Vantage Ke (@VantageKe) May 16, 2026

The proposed blacklist is likely to ignite debate among internet users, particularly consumers who rely on free streaming sites for entertainment.

However, authorities insist the action is necessary to safeguard intellectual property rights and support the growth of Kenya’s creative industry.

The latest developments come weeks after President William Ruto publicly challenged Itumbi to explain measures being taken to curb piracy. Speaking during the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards earlier this month, President Ruto issued a stern warning over the increasing theft of creative content in the country.

“And finally, I have a guy. I gave a job called Dennis Itumbi. I want Dennis to come right here,” the President said during the event.

“I gave you a job, and I told you what the job description was. I want you to answer something about piracy, to tell me and this audience, what is it that we are doing about piracy?” he posed.