If you’re looking for a pay-TV option that won’t break the bank but still gives you solid entertainment, StarTimes is a great pick. Whether you’re into news, sports, movies, or kids’ shows, they’ve got bundles to fit different budgets—some starting as low as KES 329 per month.
I remember when I first switched to StarTimes—I was tired of paying crazy prices for other providers, and their Nyota package was a lifesaver. For less than the cost of a few coffees, I got Al Jazeera, some kids’ channels (great for babysitting my niece), and even sports highlights. Not bad, right?
StarTimes Packages & Prices: What’s Worth It?
Here’s the lowdown on their 2025 bouquets—antenna (DTT) or satellite (dish)—so you can pick what suits you:
| Package | Type | Price (KES/month) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nyota | Antenna | 329 | Al Jazeera, CGTN, kids’ stuff like Smile of a Child |
| Nova | Dish | 549 | KTN, NTV, AMC Movies, plus some kung fu action (ST Kungfu, lol) |
| Basic | Antenna | 749 | BBC News, Nickelodeon, Trace Mziki (if you love music) |
| Classic | Antenna | 1,149 | ESPN, FOX News, Nat Geo—perfect for sports & docu lovers |
| Smart | Dish | 1,119 | Bollywood, French news (France 24), and sports |
| Super | Dish | 1,799 | MTV Base, Nollywood movies, and extra drama channels |
| Chinese | Dish | 2,300 | CCTV-4, Chinese dramas (if you’re into that) |
Prices from StarTimes’ official site—but double-check in case they sneak in a hike!
How to Pay (Super Easy)
Via M-Pesa:
- Go to Lipa na M-Pesa > Pay Bill.
- Enter Business No. 585858.
- Use your Smart Card Number as the account number.
- Confirm, and boom—you’re done.
Other ways: Airtel Money or just walk into a StarTimes shop.
Switching Packages? No Stress.
Want to upgrade or downgrade? Here’s how:
- Dial *858# (Safaricom/Airtel).
- Pick “Change Package” (Option 4).
- Choose your decoder type (antenna/dish) and new bouquet.
- Enter the first 11 digits of your Smart Card Number.
FAQs (Stuff People Actually Ask)
1. What’s the cheapest package?
Nyota (KES 329)—basic but decent. You get news, a few kids’ channels, and sports snippets.
2. Which one has ESPN?
Classic (KES 1,149)—plus FOX News and Nat Geo. Worth it if you’re a sports junkie.
3. Can I switch packages anytime?
Yep! Dial *858# or call customer care. Changes happen instantly.
4. Any free channels?
A few! Citizen TV, KTN, KBC—no subscription needed.
5. How much for dish installation?
KES 2,999 for the full setup (decoder + dish), plus a free 1-month Smart bouquet.
Why I Like StarTimes
- No long contracts—swap packages whenever.
- Cheaper than most—some rivals charge double for the same channels.
- Variety—from Nigerian dramas to Chinese soaps, they’ve got weirdly specific stuff.
Final Tips
- Newbies sometimes get free decoders (check promos).
- Follow @startimeskenya on Facebook—they drop random discounts.
Need help? Contact StarTimes Kenya:
- Call: 0719 077 077
- Email: info.ke@startimes.com.cn
- Office: Victoria Towers, Nairobi (if you’re old-school)
So, if you’re tired of overpriced TV, StarTimes is a solid backup. Not perfect, but hey—what is?
