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Time Business News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
What is the Cost/Pricing of Bulk SMS in Kenya?
Ever wondered why Kenyan businesses are buzzing with SMS alerts? Whether transactional or promotional, SMS has become a powerful tool to reach thousands of customers in seconds. It's simple, affordable, and highly effective for marketing. No wonder it's so popular! The secret lies in the power of bulk SMS, a cost-effective communication strategy. But here's the big question: how much does it cost to harness this messaging magic? Let's dive into the world of bulk SMS pricing in Kenya, where every shilling counts and every message matters, including why Celcom Africa stands out as the most affordable and reliable provider. Affordability: Bulk SMS in Kenya ranges from Ksh .0.3 to 0.6 per SMS, making it an accessible tool for businesses of all sizes. ranges from Ksh .0.3 to 0.6 per SMS, making it an accessible tool for businesses of all sizes. Volume Matters : The SMS price decreases significantly with an increase in the volume of SMS bought. : The SMS price decreases significantly with an increase in the volume of SMS bought. No Hidden Costs : Many providers offer a pay-as-you-go structure with no setup or monthly fees, just the cost of the SMS credits. : Many providers offer a pay-as-you-go structure with no setup or monthly fees, just the cost of the SMS credits. Sender ID Branding : While basic bulk SMS is cheap, additional features like custom sender ID enhance brand credibility. : While basic bulk SMS is cheap, additional features like custom sender ID enhance brand credibility. Select the Right Provider: Ensuring you get a provider approved by CAK and has a direct connection with Mobile Operators can lead to substantial savings and better service quality. Choose Wisely: Opt for providers with transparent pricing and a robust reliable system. Opt for providers with transparent pricing and a robust reliable system. Plan Your Campaigns: Bulk buying can save money, as more volume equals a lower rate. Bulk buying can save money, as more volume equals a lower rate. Monitor Usage: Use platforms with good analytics to track your SMS credit usage and campaign effectiveness. In Kenya, the cost of bulk SMS typically ranges between Ksh 0.30 to Ksh 1.06 per SMS, depending on the factors mentioned earlier. 1,000 to 5,000 SMS: Around Ksh 1.06 per SMS. Around Ksh 1.06 per SMS. 5,000 to 20,000 SMS: Around Ksh 0.90 per SMS. Around Ksh 0.90 per SMS. 20,000+ SMS: As low as Ksh 0.50 per SMS. With Celcom Africa, businesses can enjoy competitive rates ranging from Ksh 0.30–0.6 per SMS. SMS Package (Volume) Cost per SMS (Ksh) 1,000 – 9,999 SMS 0.6 10,000 – 50,000 SMS 0.5 50,001 – 100,000 SMS 0.4 Above 100,000 SMS 0.35 Note: SMS do not have an Expiry Date A one-off fee of Ksh. 6,500 Per Network which could be Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom, or Equitel When choosing a bulk SMS service provider in Kenya, comparing the pricing and services of major players is crucial. Here's a detailed comparison of Celcom Africa, Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom based on cost, delivery rates, support, and features: Provider Cost Per SMS (Approx.) Delivery Rate Support Availability Unique Features Celcom Africa Ksh 0.30 – 0.60 98% 24/7 Affordable pricing, high reliability, seamless Bulk SMS API integration Safaricom Ksh 0.42 – 1.06 96% 8 am – 8 pm Direct carrier access is suitable for corporate clients Airtel Ksh 0.8 – 0.3 95% Limited Competitive pricing, large subscriber network Telkom Ksh 0.3 – 1.0 95% Limited Competitive pricing, large subscriber network Volume: Buying SMS in bulk means paying less per SMS. Bulk discounts are a significant factor in reducing costs. Buying SMS in bulk means paying less per SMS. Bulk discounts are a significant factor in reducing costs. Provider: Not all providers are equal; some offer better rates. Choose Celcom Africa , known for being both the Cheapest Bulk SMS Provider in Kenya and the most reliable. Not all providers are equal; some offer better rates. Choose , known for being both the Cheapest Bulk SMS Provider in Kenya and the most reliable. Network: Prices can vary slightly based on the mobile network's infrastructure, like Safaricom or Airtel. Prices can vary slightly based on the mobile network's infrastructure, like Safaricom or Airtel. Message Length: The longer the message, the more pages, which leads to higher consumption and a lower rate. The longer the message, the more pages, which leads to higher consumption and a lower rate. Sender ID: Using your brand name as the sender name significantly boosts brand visibility and credibility. When it comes to affordability and reliability, Celcom Africa leads the pack. Known for its user-friendly platform, TAT of 2 sec for message delivery, and exceptional customer support, Celcom Africa ensures that businesses of all sizes can access affordable bulk SMS solutions. Competitive pricing: Rates ranging from Ksh. 0.30 to 0.60 per SMS Rates ranging from High deliverability: Messages reach their intended recipients at a TAT of 2 Sec Messages reach their intended recipients at a Seamless integrations: Compatible with various business tools and systems for effortless communication Compatible with various business tools and systems for effortless communication 24/7 Customer Support Selecting the right bulk SMS provider can be a game-changer for your business. Here are the key features to prioritize: Delivery Time and Speed: Ensure the provider guarantees high delivery rates—this means your messages reach your customers promptly. Celcom Africa, for instance, boasts a near-perfect delivery rate, ensuring your campaigns don't go to waste. Customer Support: Imagine running into a technical issue in the middle of a campaign. You'll need a provider with reliable support. Celcom Africa offers 24/7 assistance, so you're never left stranded. Platform Usability: A user-friendly interface simplifies message scheduling, reporting, and tracking. Celcom Africa's dashboard makes bulk SMS campaigns a breeze, even for beginners. Integration Capabilities: Your SMS platform should work seamlessly with CRM tools, email marketing software, or e-commerce platforms. Celcom Africa supports integrations, streamlining your business communication through simple APIs. Understanding the cost/price of bulk SMS in Kenya is crucial for leveraging this powerful communication tool. With Celcom Africa, you're not just choosing affordability; you're opting for reliability, scalability, and a service that understands the Kenyan market. This places Celcom Africa as the Cheapest Bulk SMS Service provider in Kenya and globally. Whether you're launching your first SMS campaign or scaling up, Celcom Africa is your partner in making every message count and every shilling matter. The cost of sending bulk SMS in Kenya varies depending on the service provider, volume of messages, and type of SMS (transactional or promotional). On average, the price ranges between Ksh 0.30 and Ksh 1.06 per SMS. For example, making it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes. Sending bulk SMS in Kenya is simple. Here's how you can do it: Choose a provider: Select a reliable bulk SMS service provider like Celcom Africa that fits your budget and business needs. Sign up: Create an account on the provider's platform. Purchase credits: Buy SMS credits through available payment options like M-Pesa. Compose your message: Write your SMS content, keeping it concise and engaging. Upload your contacts: Import your recipient list into the platform. Send or schedule: Send the messages instantly or schedule them for later. Celcom Africa simplifies this process with its user-friendly interface, high delivery rates, and 24/7 customer support. Purchasing bulk SMS credits is typically straightforward. For example, with Celcom Africa, you can top up your account directly through their M-PESA PayBill Number, allowing for quick and convenient transactions. According to the Communication Authority of Kenya regulations, the allowed languages for bulk SMS are Kiswahili and English. Sending messages in vernacular languages is not permitted. With Celcom Africa, your SMS credits don't expire. You buy them once, and they're yours to use whenever you need them, giving you flexibility in planning your communication strategy. The cheapest way to send bulk SMS in Kenya involves choosing providers that offer bulk discounts. Celcom Africa, for instance, starts at Ksh 0.3 to 0.6 per SMS when you send in large volumes. This places Celcom Africa as the cheapest and the best bulk sms service provider in Kenya and globally. Remember, the more you send, the cheaper each message becomes. It's like buying in bulk at the market; the price per unit drops significantly. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
DW
21-05-2025
- Business
- DW
'Tea for two' as Kenya seeks to boost exports to China – DW – 05/21/2025
Kenya aims to expand its tea exports to the Chinese market. In return, China will export tea packaging material to Kenya tax-free, before setting up packaging firms for the export market. From its origins in China, tea has spread across trade routes over centuries, becoming a daily ritual for half of the world's population. Recently, Kenya's President William Ruto met with one of China's top three tea producers, Fuzhou Benny Tea Industries, to explore opportunities for increasing Kenyan orthodox and specialty teas in China. Additionally, Kenya aims to strengthen its bilateral trade relationships with China by expanding its exports of important commodities to the Chinese market, such as coffee, avocados, and macadamias, according to a statement published on a Kenyan government website. The high-level meeting brought together key stakeholders from Kenya's tea sector, including representatives from Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture, the KenyaTea Development Agency, and the Kenya Tea Board. "We will soon be allowing tea factories, to sell their teas directly to the international markets without intermediaries," Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya's Minister of Agriculture, told local reporters after the meeting. The East African country is the world's biggest exporter of black tea. In 2024, Kenya's tea industry accounted for nearly 158 billion Ksh ($1.22 billion, €1.065 billion) in annual revenues and supported over 750,000 farmers, according to the country's tea trade regulating body, Kenya Tea Board (KTB). "Benny Tea Industries will be making $100 million worth of investments in Kenya," Willy Mutai, CEO of the Kenya Tea Board, told DW. "According to Mutai, the agreement would allow Chinese firms, such as Benny Tea, to export tea packaging material from China to Kenya tax-free. However, for Kenyan tea farmer Samuel Kariuki, such an agreement could disrupt the local industry. "There could be an interruption when it comes to our supply chains, Kariuki, who is a manager at Sensory Garden Kenya, told DW. "Tax-free packaging materials from China might sort of undercut the local packaging suppliers." Search for more tea markets Challenges such as fluctuating prices, competition from other tea-producing nations, and the need for value addition have forced Kenya to seek strategic partnerships in its tea trade. "Internationally, we face a lot of stringent certification requirements which are very costly and complex for us as farmers," Kariuki said. "Meeting standards like the Rainforest Alliance and the likes of Fair Trade requires some amount of investment that we as farmers are possibly not able to have. Either way, even if we had that kind of investment, the investment is not guaranteed that, you know, there's going to be a return," Kariuki added. Moreover, Trump's tariffshave sent shockwaves through global markets. Kenya hopes that this new partnership with China will improve the production of high-quality Kenyan tea, diversify Kenya's tea exports, and align the country's tea industry with international market demands. Is Africa ready for duty-free access to China? To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In addition, it would facilitate setting up modern factories in Kenya for technological transfer and bringing equipment to Kenya that can be used to produce teas that match the quality standards of the Chinese market. Kenya hopes to establish standard user packaging facilities, enabling tea farmers to add value at the source. Mutai explained that Kenya is changing its policies to accommodate international buyers, allowing them to buy raw material or branded teas directly from factories in Kenya. The Trump tariffs' effect Trump's tariffs on China has forced the world's second-largest economy to seek and solidify its trade partnerships with countries like Kenya. Although Trump gave the world a 90-day relief, Kenya is grappling with the 10% universal tariff that the US president left intact. We are currently doing 10% tariffs on the US," Mutai noted, emphasizing that the US trade barriers offer a significant opportunity for Chinese investors in tea. "They can come and pack here in Kenya." AGOA and AfCFTA trade deals allow Kenya to export products, such as flowers, tariff free Image: epa Jon Hrusa/dpa/picture-alliance Kenya's tea industry stands to benefit significantly from two major trade frameworks. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Kenya's two crucial trade deals Under the AfCFTA, Kenya gains preferential access to a vast African market by eliminating tariffs and reducing trade barriers among member states. This agreement facilitates smoother intra-African trade, allowing Kenyan tea to reach new and growing markets across the continent more competitively. It also encourages regional value chains, enabling Kenya to process and package tea locally before exporting, thereby increasing earnings and creating jobs. The agreement has already shown promise, with Kenya exporting tea to Ghana under AfCFTA protocols. What is the AGOA US-Africa trade program? To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video On the other hand, AGOA provides Kenya with duty-free access to the United States for a wide range of products, including tea. The deal gives Kenyan tea a pricing advantage in the US market and opens opportunities for value-added exports, such as branded and specialty teas. AGOA also incentivizes investment in quality improvement and packaging, helping Kenya move up the value chain and appeal to premium consumers. Edited by: Chrispin Mwakideu
The Guardian
12-02-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Fair and Square? Chinese retail chain's expansion rankles Kenyan rivals
On a cool Friday morning in an expansive mall in Nairobi, dozens of people thronged outside a retail store covered in colourful banners, balloons and flowers. When the shutter doors finally rolled up a few hours later, fireworks were let off and music blared through speakers, the crowd now swollen to more than 100. It was the official opening of the sixth Kenyan branch of China Square, a Chinese-owned retail chain that mainly sells Chinese-made products, at Two Rivers Mall in northern Nairobi. Launched in Kenya two years ago, the chain has grown rapidly due to strong demand for its low-priced items. 'They're bringing us unique products and at very fair prices,' said Sheila Wangari, a 33-year-old product manager, at the Nairobi branch opening. 'It's a gamechanger.' China is Africa's largest bilateral trading partner and a top creditor of many African countries, lending money to finance projects for its belt and road initiative. Private sector investment has also been rising in recent years, with funds flowing into sectors including retail. The development poses a dilemma for African governments over how to balance consumers' love for bargains with the interests of local retailers, who said the Chinese incomers had created an uneven playing field. 'They're selling everything, and their prices are very different from ours,' said Jacob Musili, who sells hardware appliances in Nairobi. 'They're hurting us.' China Square opened its first branch in 2023 at a mall on Nairobi's outskirts, and quickly sparked enthusiasm among shoppers. But opposition from local traders and the country's then-trade minister, Moses Kuria, soon followed. The criticism boiled over, with traders protesting and Kuria threatening China Square's proprietor Lei Cheng with deportation. China Square suspended its operations for a week but resumed them after talks between the Kenyan government and the local Chinese community. At the Two Rivers Mall branch opening, 26-year-old Jane Mwangi pushed her trolley between rows of shelves filled with suitcases, stopping after a few steps to check some out and consult an attendant. It was the last item she wanted to take, her trolley already stuffed with a microwave, clothes hangers, an oven mitt, a pillowcase and other products. Mwangi, a businesswoman, said she was keen to explore the new branch after she saw ads for it on TikTok. 'As soon as I heard it's at Two Rivers, I was wowed,' she said. She pointed to some eyelashes in the beauty section selling for Ksh 88 (£0.55). 'I usually buy them at Ksh 200 (£1.25) in town,' she said. China Square's roots lie in South Africa, where the first branch was opened in 2017. The business has expanded over the years to Zambia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, Gabon and Kenya. Lei, who joined the business as a partner in 2019, said most of the products in the Kenyan operation were imported from China, but the chain also has items made in Kenya, Turkey and Egypt. He said he credited the success of the Kenyan operation to its big sales discounts, huge variety and 'low' but 'good' margins. Musili's hardware appliance shop sits on Nairobi's River Road, a hive of retailers selling everything from kitchenware to electronics. Musili, who took part in the 2023 protest against China Mall, said many of his would-be customers now chose China Square. 'It's like the Chinese have taken over our country,' he said. 'We businesspeople don't like hearing about China Square.' About 500 metres from Musili's shop, Johnson Munga was working at Glass Craft, a 60-year-old business that sells kitchenware made in France, China and India. Aside from his concern about the loss of customers, he worried that the growth of China Square could cause job losses. 'This shop has employed us. If business goes down, it means they'll have to let go of some workers,' he said. Many Kenyan retailers of Chinese-made products have typically bought them from Kenyan wholesalers who shipped them from China, marked them up and distributed them to retailers. On the other hand, Chinese businesspeople have usually imported the items and sold them themselves directly to customers, or through middlemen within their own networks who negotiate low prices, said Eric Olander, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of the China Global South Project. Olander said Chinese retailers gave people with limited disposable income unrivalled access to a range of products. 'Nobody can sell the pot cheaper than the Chinese,' he said. 'The Chinese control the whole supply chain. 'The people who consume it love it. The people who compete against it hate it,' he said, referring to Chinese products. Some African countries have explored tax changes to address local retailers' concerns. In reaction to concerns about competition from Chinese online sellers Shein and Temu, South Africa's tax authority said last year it would impose VAT on imported low-value consignments. Kenyan retailers said China Square's business model undercuts them, and that it should either operate as a wholesaler or as a retailer – not both. Lei rejected this argument. 'Businesses need competition and competition makes business healthy – and that's a good thing for the consumers,' he said at the opening of the Two Rivers Mall branch. 'We are in competition. But who's the end beneficiary? The consumers, right?'
