How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Kenya [Working 2024]
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To watch BBC iPlayer in Kenya is challenging, but not impossible. The streaming platform shows geo-errors if you try to watch outside the UK, so you have to make it seem you’re in the country.
I’ll explain not only why these geo-restrictions exist, but also show you how I successfully got past them with a VPN.
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Why do I need a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in Kenya?
To bypass location errors on BBC iPlayer, a VPN is essential. It masks your actual location by providing you with a UK IP address, making it appear as though you’re accessing the service from within the UK.
Without a VPN, when attempting to watch BBC iPlayer from Kenya, you’ll get an error message as you try to hit play:
- BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.
- This content is not available in your location.
That’s because BBC only has distribution rights for the UK. But, as it’s visible in the screenshots above, once you’ve connected to a VPN, the BBC iPlayer error is gone.
Here’s how I got rid of it:
How to watch BBC iPlayer in Kenya
- Choose a reliable VPN service and sign up for an account:
- Download the VPN to your device:
- Once you’ve signed up, download the application suitable for your device. IPVanish is compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The mobile apps include a free trial.
- Install the VPN:
- Follow the installation prompts. Once installed, launch the IPVanish application.
- Connect to a UK server:
- From the main dashboard, click on the location pin. It’ll show all server locations. Scroll down to the UK, pick a server, and connect.
- Visit BBC iPlayer:
- With IPVanish connected to a UK server, open BBC iPlayer in your browser or the BBC iPlayer app. You should now have unrestricted access as if you were in the UK.
❗For some content, you’ll need a TV license. Click/tap on I have a TV license to continue watching.
Having shared the how-to, let’s discuss the reasons behind my choice of VPN.
Most importantly, IPVanish boasts a vast network of over 100 servers in the UK. They’re located in Birmingham, Glasgow, London and Manchester.
This ensures that even during peak times, there’s less server congestion, so speed is stable and fast.
To confirm this is true, I tested all British locations. Starting with 100 Mbps internet, here’s what I got on the UK servers:
- Glasgow: 75.48 Mbps
- Birmingham: 90.61 Mbps
- London: 94.04 Mbps
- Manchester: 93.38 Mbps
While the connection was a little slowed down (which is perfectly normal when you use a VPN), with these rates you can watch HD and 4K videos on BBC iPlayer with no buffering.
Moreover, for those of you who might not be tech-savvy, it’s easy even for beginners to connect to a UK server and start streaming.
That said, if you already have another VPN, try its UK servers, as they may be able to unlock BBC iPlayer. And if you think IPVanish is not a good option for you, consider NordVPN, ExpressVPN, PIA, or CyberGhost.
I’ve used them on BBC iPlayer before and they worked great.
IPVanish
Unlock BBC iPlayer abroad! Connect to a UK server to watch it from Kenya!How can I watch iPlayer abroad for free with a VPN?
While BBC iPlayer is free to use within the UK, accessing it abroad requires a VPN. To watch it free of charge, try a VPN with no registration.
Some users also have success with the Hola VPN browser extension, but it’s not always working. So while it’s possible to use a free VPN, be aware that this comes with limitations in speed, server locations, and security features.
Do I need a TV license to watch BBC iPlayer in Kenya?
Yes, you need a TV license to watch or download content from BBC iPlayer. Now, all you have to do on the platform is click a prompt to confirm that you have a license.
This will grant you access without the need for further proof. However, we advise you to get one. Otherwise, you’ll breach BBC’s Terms of Use and risk getting blocked off the platform.
Wrapping up
Next time you’re in Kenya and want to catch up on the latest episode of Doctor Who or EastEnders, you’ll know exactly what to do.
With a reliable VPN, you can watch BBC iPlayer in Kenya without restrictions, just as if you were in the UK.
