Kenyans to Enjoy Cheaper Calls as CA Slashes Mobile Rates to Ksh 0.37

Kenyans are set to benefit from cheaper mobile and fixed- line calls following the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ‘ s latest decision to reduce Mobile and Fixed Termination Rates (MTR/FTR).

Effective March 1, 2026, the rates will drop from Ksh 0. 41 per minute to Ksh 0. 37 per minute, with a four- year glide path to reduce them further to Ksh 0. 30 per minute by 2030.

“Having taken into consideration probable changes in the last two (2) years, the Authority hereby determines as follows: (a.) That all mobile and fixed telecommunications operators in Kenya shall implement the Mobile and Fixed Termination Rates (MTR/FTR) for a period of four (4) years with effect from March 1 st, 2026, as outlined in Table 1,” said the Communications Authority of Kenya in a statement.

CA Kenya Announces Phased Reduction of Mobile & Fixed Call Rates

A mobile termination rate (MTR) is the fee one telecom operator pays another to connect a call to its network. For example, if an Airtel customer calls a Safaricom user, Airtel pays Safaricom a termination fee.

The new wholesale MTR rates mean telcos will pay each other Ksh 0. 37 per minute initially, moving towards Ksh 0. 30 over the next four years, pending a fresh review by the regulator.

The move follows previous cuts: in March 2024, the CA reduced rates from Ksh 0. 58 to Ksh 0. 41 per minute, with the current adjustment marking another step towards cost- efficient, consumer- friendly pricing.

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Mobile Rates to Be Reassessed Once Ksh 0.30 Milestone Is Achieved

The reduction comes amid pressure from the World Bank, which has urged Kenya’s communications authority to lower mobile termination rates significantly.

The Bank warned that high rates stifle competition and limit access to affordable voice calls, particularly for low- income citizens.

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All telecommunications operators are required to implement the new rates and submit updated interconnection agreements to the CA. Operators also have the flexibility to negotiate rates below the prescribed cap.

The CA also stressed that once the market attains the rate of Ksh 0. 30 per minute, further reviews will be conducted to ensure continued alignment with emerging market trends, cost structures, and competitive conditions.

“Once the market attains the rate of Ksh 0.30 per minute, a further review will be undertaken to ensure continued alignment with new and emerging issues, cost trends, and competitive conditions,” said the CA.

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