USSD, SMS, WhatsApp and Call Center Set Up & Pricing in Kenya.

Kenya leads East Africa in telecommunications, with 65 million mobile subscriptions and 46 million internet users by 2024. USSD remains popular for mobile banking, with codes like *544# for M-PESA widely used. Businesses leverage WhatsApp and SMS for marketing and customer support. M-PESA dominates mobile money services, with over 30 million active users. 5G networks launched in 2022, expanding in urban areas. Despite rural connectivity and cybersecurity challenges, Kenya's innovative use of mobile technologies, especially in financial services, sets a benchmark for emerging markets. The rapidly evolving telecom sector drives economic growth and digital transformation across industries, positioning Kenya as a regional leader in mobile technology adoption.

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Kenya's DIALING CODE

+254

MOBILE USERS IN Kenya

65M

SMS pricing in Kenya

In Kenya, the telecommunications landscape offers various SMS services, each governed by Kenya's specific regulations. Short codes, popular in Kenya for services like mobile banking, require approval from Kenya's national communications authority. Kenya's businesses can use marketing SMS for promotions, but must adhere to Kenya's registration and consent requirements. Transactional SMS in Kenya face less stringent rules but must comply with Kenya's data protection laws. Premium Rate Services SMS in Kenya, which charge users for content, typically need a license from Kenya's regulatory body and must follow Kenya's pricing transparency guidelines.

SMS - Brand Name

A unique identifier used in SMS messaging to display the sender's name or brand instead of a phone number e.g DOMINOS. Does not allow for 2 way messaging on SMS. Cost per Telco.

KSH

9,000

Two Way SMS (Set-up)-Dedicated

A dedicated code for just the procurer.

KSH

10,000

Two Way SMS (Set-up)- Shared

Users will be required to always Prefix the message with a keyword.

KSH

5,000

SMS Sent (Per)

Bulk SMS is used for marketing, alerts, and customer communication. SMS is cost-effective and has higher open rates than email.

KSH

0.6

WhatsApp pricing in Kenya

WhatsApp's popularity in Kenya stems from WhatsApp's data efficiency in areas with limited internet. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures secure communication for Kenya's users. The WhatsApp API Cloud enables Kenya's businesses to scale customer interactions, while WhatsApp's wide adoption makes it ideal for customer service. WhatsApp's compatibility with lower-end smartphones promotes digital inclusion across Kenya. The WhatsApp API Cloud allows Kenya's companies to implement chatbots and integrate systems, supporting business growth even in regions with unstable connections.

WhatsApp (Per 24hr Session)

WhatsApp Business platform employs a conversation-based pricing model, charging businesses for each conversation within a 24-hour period. Conversations are categorized as service, utility, authentication, or marketing, with varying prices based on the category and the customer's country code Learn more on WhatsApp billing.

USD

0.0225

WhatsApp (Setup)

A one time set up charge to to cover the initial technical configuration, custom development, and client onboarding process.

USD

USSD pricing in Kenya

Kenya leverages USSD technology for interactive, menu-driven services that operate without internet, crucial for Kenya's digital inclusion efforts. In Kenya, USSD facilitates mobile banking, public service delivery, and information access, serving both urban and rural populations through its compatibility with basic phones. Kenya's telecom regulator oversees USSD short codes, ensuring fair access across mobile networks and adhering to Kenya's specific numbering plan. Despite growing smartphone adoption, USSD remains vital in Kenya for its universal accessibility, helping bridge the digital divide and spurring innovation in sectors ranging from agriculture to healthcare.

USSD Shared Code (Monthly)

The fee is charged to keep the shared USSD code active. This is charged per telco.

KSH

10,000

USSD Dedicated Code (Setup)

A dedicated USSD code is a unique short code assigned to a specific organization or service provider. A dedicated USSD is similar to *123#

KSH

145,000

Dedicated USSD Code (Monthly)

This fee is charged per month to keep the USSD code active and is charged per Telco.

KSH

50,000

Dedicated USSD Code (Monthly)

This fee is charged per month to keep the USSD code active and is charged per Telco.

ZAR

3,500

USSD Usage Postpaid (Per dial)

This is the cost per USSD session. A session starts when a user dials the code on their phone, and the flat rate is charged to the business in postpaid pricing.

KSH

1.5

Voice (IVR) pricing in Kenya

Kenya's voice service landscape is rapidly evolving, with call centers emerging as hubs for both local support and international outsourcing, capitalizing on Kenya's multilingual workforce. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems in Kenya are bridging literacy gaps, providing critical information in local dialects for health, agriculture, and government services. Kenya's adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is reshaping business communication, though it faces regulatory challenges as Kenya balances innovation with traditional telecom interests. As Kenya leapfrogs legacy systems, voice technologies are enabling unique solutions like mobile money authorization via voice biometrics and community radio integration with IVR for wider information dissemination.

Virtual Phone Number (Per Month)

A virtual number that routes calls within an organisation. It allows for multiple people to call in or out in parallel and can play a welcome message (IVR) to callers.

KSH

2,500

Virtual Phone Number (Setup)

A one-off cost to set-up a phone number

KSH

5,000

Voice - Incoming Call (Per Sec)

Receiving calls to your virtual phone numbers incurs a routing and connection cost.

KSH

0.009

Voice - Outgoing Call (Per Sec)

Making calls from your virtual phone numbers incurs a routing and connection cost.

KSH

0.05