Safaricom tariffs are divided into prepaid and postpaid ones. Customers on both tariffs are charged KSh 4.87 per minute for calls across all networks during peak hours (8 am to 10 pm). Rates drop to KSh 2.50 per minute from 10 pm to 8 am during off-peak hours. For PostPay users, the KSh 1,000 plan comes with 400 minutes, 8GB of data, 1,000 SMS, and WhatsApp access. Subscribers on the KSh 2,000 package receive 1,000 minutes, 17GB of data, and 2,000 SMS.
Safaricom, Kenya’s leading mobile network operator, offers a range of prepaid (prepay) and postpaid tariffs for voice calls, SMS, and data. Prepay requires upfront payment, while postpaid allows usage first and billing later, typically monthly. Below is a detailed breakdown of the current tariffs, bundles, out-of-bundle rates, and key features in 2026. Prepaid tariffs Most Kenyans rely on prepaid mobile plans for their daily communication needs. Users top up airtime via M-PESA, scratch cards, or authorised agents. They can then buy bundles to cut costs for calling, texting, and data. Customers who use services without an active bundle are charged standard out-of-bundle rates. Prepaid tariffs include: Out-of-bundle rates How much does Safaricom charge for calls? The service provider charges voice calls differently depending on the time of day. Peak hours, usually during the day, cost about KSh 4.87 per minute. Off-peak hours in the evening and at night drop to around KSh 2.50 per minute. SMS charges stand at roughly KSh 1.20 per message.
For mobile data, out-of-bundle usage costs about KSh 4.30 per MB. Browsing continues at this rate if out-of-bundle control is not switched on. Activating the control blocks internet access once bundles are finished, helping users avoid surprise charges. Customers also collect Bonga points when they buy airtime or use bundles. All-in-one monthly bundles These integrated bundles provide data, minutes, and SMS with free WhatsApp access after data exhaustion (while the bundle is active). Validity is typically 30 days. These monthly bundles include: KSh 100: 400 MB data, 20 minutes, 50 SMS KSh 250: 1 GB data, 50 minutes, 100 SMS KSh 500: 2 GB data, 100 minutes, 500 SMS + Free WhatsApp KSh 1,000: 8 GB data, 400 minutes, 1,000 SMS + Free WhatsApp KSh 2,000: 17 GB data, 1,000 minutes, 2,000 SMS + Free WhatsApp KSh 3,000: 27 GB data, 1,500 minutes, 3,000 SMS + Free WhatsApp KSh 5,000: 47 GB data, 2,500 minutes, 5,000 SMS + Free WhatsApp KSh 10,000: 100 GB data, 7,500 minutes, 10,000 SMS + Free WhatsApp Outside safaricom shop. @Safaricom (Modified by author) Source: Instagram Other prepay bundles Safaricom offers daily, weekly, and no-expiry data options: Daily bundles: Start from low prices (e.g., KSh 5–99 for 7 MB to 1 GB, often with WhatsApp bonuses). Validity 24 hours. Weekly bundles: Examples include KSh 250 for 1 GB or higher, or for higher volumes up to several GB. Validity 7 days. No-expiry data: Buy any amount; data does not expire until used. Purchase via *544# under No Expiry options. This suits light or irregular users.
Voice and other prepay options Flexible talk-time bundles and services like Tunukiwa (daily offers) also provide bonuses. You can also browse through the service’s voice plans with no expiry, which are accessible when purchasing airtime. Safaricom’s postpaid plans Postpaid, also known as PostPay or Emerald PostPay, is designed for high-usage customers who prefer fixed monthly billing. It offers more predictable costs compared to prepaid use. Customers can change Safaricom call tariff to postpaid via *544# by selecting Monthly Plans, then choosing the PostPay option. An email address is required for billing setup. Safaricom assigns each customer a credit limit based on their usage history. All-in-one postpaid bundles Postpaid all-in-one bundle offers include: KSh 1,000: 8 GB data, 400 minutes, 1,000 SMS + WhatsApp KSh 2,000: 17 GB data, 1,000 minutes, 2,000 SMS + WhatsApp KSh 3,000: 27 GB data, 1,500 minutes, 3,000 SMS + WhatsApp KSh 5,000: 47 GB data, 2,500 minutes, 5,000 SMS + WhatsApp KSh 10,000: 100 GB data, 7,500 minutes, 10,000 SMS + WhatsApp
What are the international rates for Safaricom calls? Standard international calls on a pay-as-you-go basis vary by destination and pricing zone. These rates are generally higher than local call rates and are not fixed, so customers are advised to confirm the exact charges via *100# or the official Safaricom platforms, as pricing varies from one country to another. To reduce costs, international calling bundles are available for selected destinations, including the USA, Canada, India, and China. For example, users can get 20 minutes for KSh 30, valid for an hour 40 minutes for KSh 50 Up to 200 minutes for KSh 399 with monthly validity. These bundles can be accessed via *444#, *100#, or *200# by navigating to Products and Services, then International Calling Bundles. The offers are available to both prepaid and postpaid customers. They only apply to calls made while in Kenya. For roaming, users can activate services through *444# or the Safaricom app before travelling. Reduced roaming rates may apply when you are within East Africa, such as Uganda, sometimes as low as KSh 10 per minute.
