Kenyan authorities have shut down the pirate streaming website score808.US, one of the many sources of unauthorized sports content. The raid took place on 29 October 2024 in Nairobi’s Makadara Sub-county, led by inspectors from the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) and officers from the National Police Service.
During the operation, the primary suspect behind the development and hosting of score808.US was arrested. With over 21,000 active users at any time, the site attracted 27.6 million unique visitors between October 2023 and September 2024, including 8.85 million from Kenya alone, making up 32.08% of its total traffic. South African and Nigerian visitors contributed another 1.62 million and 1.15 million, respectively.
Score808.US offered unauthorized access to premium sports broadcasts, including English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A matches, through channels like Sky Sports and SuperSport. Authorities seized the site’s backend database and the suspect’s mobile phone and laptop, which will undergo further forensic analysis. Officials indicated that more arrests may follow as investigations continue.
George Nyakweba, KECOBO’s Acting Executive Director, said, “KECOBO fully supports rights holders in safeguarding their works in Kenya.” Frikkie Jonker of Irdeto, a cybersecurity firm, praised the operation as part of an ongoing effort to curb piracy across Africa, commending the cooperation between KECOBO and law enforcement.
Website piracy impacts content creators’ earnings and hampers government tax revenue for public services. The shutdown of score808.US represents a meaningful step in curbing piracy, supporting the Kenyan creative industry, and ensuring revenues flow to legitimate stakeholders.
