Relief for Kenyans as Gov’t lowers mobile call rates

The government has announced a reduction in charges of mobile call rates beginning March next year.

The Communication Authority of Kenya (CA), in a statement on Friday, urged telco providers to review the current Ksh.0.58 per minute down rate to Ksh.0.41 per minute.

CA said the move which was meant to cushion Kenyans from the rising cost of living came after a reduction in Mobile Termination Rates (MTRs) and Fixed Termination Rates (FTRs). 

“In the latest review, the Authority has capped the MTRs and FTRs at KES 0.41 per minute with effect from 1st March 2024. The current SMS termination rate of 0.05 per SMS remains unchanged,” stated CA.

“The new rate is informed by the prevailing economic environment, ICT market dynamics and the need to strike a balance between the promotion of investment and the protection of consumers. Lower MTRs and FTRs mean lower calling rates for consumers. 

CA added: "This decision will have positive outcomes for both the consumers and operators. Consumers will now enjoy access to a variety of affordable services across networks while operators will have more price flexibility in developing more affordable products.”

The Authority noted that the new rates will apply for a period of two years.

Mobile operators have therefore been urged to align with the new directive and submit a report by February next year.

“Ahead of the new rates taking effect, all operators are required to vary their Interconnection Agreements in line with the Determination and file their Deeds of Variation with the Authority latest 1d February 2024,” stated the Authority.