Dennis Itumbi reveals government plans to blacklist all free movie streaming sites
Dennis Itumbi reveals government plans to blacklist all free movie streaming sites
Head of Creative Economy and Presidential Special Projects, Dennis Itumbi, has revealed that the government is preparing to blacklist dozens of movie piracy websites operating in Kenya as part of a wider crackdown aimed at protecting local filmmakers and the country’s creative economy.
Speaking on the matter, Itumbi said illegal streaming and piracy platforms have significantly affected the ability of Kenyan filmmakers and content creators to profit from their work and secure opportunities on international platforms.
According to Itumbi, consultations with filmmakers and stakeholders in the creative industry have been ongoing over the past several days to formulate strategies on how to tackle 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 said.
He added that he spent the last four days reviewing ideas, listening to industry players, and researching measures taken by other countries to combat piracy.
Itumbi disclosed that the government, working together with Communications Authority of Kenya and the Standing Committee on Piracy at the Ministry of ICT, has already identified several websites allegedly involved in distributing pirated movies and TV content.
Among the sites mentioned were Goojara.co, ftmovies.co, 123Movies, and Streamx.sa, which he claimed attract millions of visits monthly from users seeking free access to films and series.
“Some of them will break your hearts, but we have to do what we have to do to protect the creative economy,” Itumbi stated.
Simba Arati Must Go – Sifuna declares support for Richard Onyonka for Kisii gubernatorial race
UDA MP John Kiragu involved in a grisly road accident
High Court dismisses Seth Panyako’s election petition
Gideon Moi raises concern over child disappearances, unexplained deaths
He further revealed that authorities have compiled a list of approximately 84 illegal websites that could soon be blocked in Kenya.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns from local filmmakers who argue that rampant piracy has deprived them of revenue and discouraged investment in Kenya’s film industry.
Industry players have long maintained that unauthorized streaming and illegal downloads undermine original productions by limiting earnings from licensed platforms and cinema distribution.
Itumbi noted that the government has already begun a pilot phase ahead of the actual shutdown of the targeted sites.
“Because I have a job to save, the sites will go down,” he said.
The planned blacklist is expected to spark debate among internet users, many of whom rely on free streaming sites for entertainment, even as authorities insist the move is necessary to safeguard intellectual property rights and support Kenya’s growing creative sector.
Ida Odinga takes subtle jab at CS Mbadi over controversial remarks on Raila Odinga
CCTV captures final moments before ex-boyfriend stabs woman to death in Kilimani
CS Murkomen reshuffles regional and county commissioners (LIST)
The economy is in bad shape; Winnie Odinga
Matatu Owners announce 50% hike in fare prices
Follow us
