Kenyans to Enjoy Cheaper Call Rates for the Next Four Years

Kenyans are set to spend less on cross-network phone calls after the Communications Authority of Kenya announced a phased reduction in mobile termination rates (MTR) over the next four years.

The new rates, which take effect from March 1, 2026, will see the cost of cross-network calls drop gradually from KSh 0.41 per minute to KSh 0.37 per minute in the first year.

How the New Rates Will Be Implemented

According to the regulator, the reductions will continue annually until 2029:

KSh 0.37 per minute – From March 2026 to February 2027
KSh 0.35 per minute – By February 2028
KSh 0.33 per minute – By February 2029
KSh 0.30 per minute – From March 2029

After 2029, another review will be conducted.

What This Means for Kenyans

Mobile termination rates refer to the fee one telecom operator pays another when a customer makes a call across networks. For example, when a subscriber on Safaricom calls someone using Airtel Kenya, Safaricom compensates Airtel for completing the call.

With lower interconnection charges, telecom companies are expected to reduce retail call prices, passing the savings directly to subscribers. This move is likely to make communication more affordable and improve competition within the sector.

In its statement, the regulator emphasized that high interconnection costs can discourage competition and keep call prices high, ultimately affecting consumers. By lowering these rates, the authority aims to make ICT services more accessible and consumer-friendly.

Impact on Telecom Companies

The changes are also expected to affect revenue streams for major telecom firms.

For the financial year ending March 2025, Airtel and Telkom Kenya reportedly paid KSh 4.7 billion to Safaricom in interconnection fees — down from KSh 5 billion the previous year. Their combined interconnection and roaming expenses also fell from KSh 7.3 billion to KSh 6.5 billion.

This earlier drop followed a significant reduction in MTR from KSh 0.58 to KSh 0.41 per minute, marking the largest cut in over a decade. The new phased reduction could further reshape earnings in the telecom sector.

Ruto’s Earlier Promise on Call Costs

Before the 2022 General Election, President William Ruto had pledged to make phone calls free under his administration. He also promised to allocate KSh 38 billion toward expanding free internet access using the last-mile electricity connectivity model.

While free calls are yet to materialize, the latest directive by the Communications Authority signals continued efforts to lower communication costs for millions of Kenyans.