Nation Media Group (NMG), a leading media house in East Africa, has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in the illegal sharing of its digital publications. The company confirmed on January 22 that it has observed a rising trend of individuals unlawfully distributing digital copies of its newspapers, including the Daily Nation, Taifa Leo, and Business Daily, via social media platforms like WhatsApp.
In a statement, NMG emphasized that the unauthorized reproduction and resale of its e-paper, or any other digital content, is a violation of copyright laws and constitutes a criminal offense. The company stated that distributing such copies—whether for sale or not—violates the Copyright Act under Section 38, which specifically criminalizes piracy and infringement of intellectual property.
“The unauthorized reproduction, distribution, and retention of digital publications are strictly prohibited,” the statement clarified. “Anyone involved in such activities is committing an offense and will be prosecuted under the law.”
NMG made it clear that those in possession of pirated copies of the e-paper must immediately destroy them and cease all related activities. The company also issued a reminder that continued violations would lead to legal action, which could include fines up to KES 400,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
The crackdown on digital piracy is part of NMG’s broader efforts to protect its intellectual property. Surveillance is ongoing to track and prosecute individuals engaged in the illegal distribution of the company’s publications. This warning affects a wide audience, as NMG produces multiple daily and weekly publications consumed by thousands across Kenya and the wider East African region.
