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Showmax battles Netflix and Amazon Prime Video for African viewers

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The competition for dominance in the African streaming market is heating up, with Netflix leading the way with an estimated 7.4 million subscribers, followed by Showmax (4.4 million subscribers) and Amazon Prime Video (3.14 million viewers). Digital TV Research predicts that by 2029, Africa will see an additional 10 million subscribers, pushing video-on-demand subscriptions to 18 million.

Netflix and Showmax are the key players in this evolving landscape. Netflix is expected to almost double its subscriber base, while Showmax aims to more than triple its numbers, primarily due to a strong focus on rich local content, sports rights, and the addition of content from major studios.

Despite this growth, SVOD penetration in Africa is projected to remain relatively low, with only 7.7% of TV households subscribing to at least one service by 2029.

MultiChoice, the parent company of Showmax, has launched DStv Stream, an enhanced app aimed at improving the viewing experience, particularly for sports enthusiasts, by offering features like localized sports commentary and dedicated sports pages.

Netflix, in addition to reducing subscription fees in some African countries, is actively investing in local content development to attract more subscribers. MultiChoice has also emphasized local content, with 50% of its general entertainment spending allocated to local productions, achieving a library of over 76,000 hours and a 9% annual production increase.

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Amazon Prime Video is expanding its library of local originals and acquisitions, with a focus on South Africa and Nigeria. They’ve hired Gideon Khobane, a former MultiChoice executive, to oversee growth in these areas, and have already premiered local comedy and drama originals, along with local acquisitions.

Overall, the African streaming market is growing, and competition among these major players is intensifying as they invest in local content, tap into talent, and enhance the viewer experience.

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Kenya Government Apologises to Burundians After Crackdown Fallout

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The Kenyan government has apologised to Burundian nationals following reports of harassment and confusion surrounding the crackdown on foreigners operating small businesses without the required licences.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei delivered the apology during a visit to the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi on Monday, September 7, where concerned Burundian nationals had gathered seeking clarity over their legal status and safety.

The controversy erupted after President William Ruto directed foreigners running small-scale businesses without the necessary licences and documentation to formalise their operations or stop trading.

But the message appears to have been misunderstood by some members of the public.

According to Sing’oei, the confusion led to some Burundians and other foreign nationals being harassed by members of the public. The government has now moved to reassure properly documented foreigners that they are free to live and work in Kenya.

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Security is also being stepped up in areas with large immigrant populations, including Bahati and Muthurwa, as foreign nationals work to regularise their documents.

The big question now is whether the government’s clarification will calm tensions after days of anxiety among Burundians and other foreign communities in Kenya.

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Rex Masai Inquest Finally Comes to an End After Two Years

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The long-running inquest into the fatal shooting of 24-year-old protester Rex Masai has finally come to a close, two years after his death during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.

The proceedings wrapped up at Milimani Law Courts on Monday, September 7, 2026, after the court heard evidence from 30 prosecution witnesses and received 48 physical and digital exhibits.

But one of the biggest moments came during the final hearing.

IPOA forensic expert Joshua Mutua told the court that crucial CCTV footage linked to the case was authentic and had not been tampered with.

According to his testimony, forensic examination found no evidence of deletion, alteration or editing of the footage.

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Masai was shot in Nairobi’s Central Business District during the youth-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024, triggering public outrage and renewed calls for police accountability.

Now, the evidence has been heard.

The next step is the ruling.

Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo has directed the parties involved to file their written closing submissions before the court sets a date to determine the circumstances surrounding Masai’s death and whether any police officers should face criminal charges.

Two years later, the question that has remained on many Kenyans’ minds is closer to getting an answer: Who was responsible for Rex Masai’s death?

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Esther Passaris Fires Back Over P2 Claims Linked to Endometriosis

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Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris has stepped into the heated endometriosis debate after controversial claims linking P2 emergency contraceptive pills to the condition sparked outrage online.

The controversy erupted after Andy Deh, son of the late radio presenter MC Fullstop, made the claims while discussing media personality Natalie Githinji, who has publicly shared her battle with stage 4 endometriosis.

During the Chizi Podcast, Deh blamed prolonged use of P2 for endometriosis.

The comments quickly went viral.

Kenyans and several public figures condemned the remarks, with comedian Eric Omondi calling for accountability and warning against making serious medical conditions a source of online content.

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Passaris has now pushed back strongly.

The Nairobi lawmaker said endometriosis is a chronic condition whose exact cause remains unknown and noted that it was medically documented as far back as 1860, long before modern emergency contraceptives existed.

She also stressed that there is no established medical evidence that P2 or family-planning methods cause endometriosis.

In fact, Passaris pointed out that some hormonal contraceptive methods are prescribed by doctors to help manage symptoms such as pain and heavy bleeding associated with the condition.

Her intervention comes as public awareness of endometriosis continues to grow in Kenya, particularly following Githinji’s public account of living with stage 4 endometriosis.

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Passaris urged Kenyans to seek medical advice from qualified professionals rather than relying on unverified claims online.

Her message was clear: women battling endometriosis need accurate information, compassion and proper medical care, not blame and misinformation.

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