Latest news with #Safaricom
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
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kenya's government to sell more of its stake in Safaricom, finance minister says
NAIROBI: Kenya's government plans to sell more of its shareholding in telecom operator Safaricom , Finance Minister John Mbadi was cited as saying in Kenyan newspaper Business Daily on Monday. The government aims to raise 149 billion shillings ($1.16 billion) in the 2025/26 financial year through the sale of stakes in companies it has share in, including selling more of its ownership of Safaricom, Mbadi told the Business Daily in an interview. At present, the government owns a 35% stake in the operator after it sold a 25% stake in it via an initial public offering in 2008.
Reuters
26-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Kenya's government to sell more of its stake in Safaricom, finance minister says
NAIROBI, May 26 (Reuters) - Kenya's government plans to sell more of its shareholding in telecom operator Safaricom ( opens new tab, Finance Minister John Mbadi was cited as saying in Kenyan newspaper Business Daily on Monday. The government aims to raise 149 billion shillings ($1.16 billion) in the 2025/26 financial year through the sale of stakes in companies it has share in, including selling more of its ownership of Safaricom, Mbadi told the Business Daily in an interview. At present, the government owns a 35% stake in the operator after it sold a 25% stake in it via an initial public offering in 2008. ($1 = 129.0000 Kenyan shillings)
Bloomberg
22-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
25 African Startups to Watch in 2025
Zeraki offers digital learning and school-data analytics platforms to help students with their assessments and metrics to spot areas for improvement and track progress across subjects. The company, which is backed by the Save the Children Impact Fund, has partnered with Kenyan telecoms provider Safaricom to offer online remedial learning to secondary school students in the East African nation and has a business in nine other countries on the continent. Zeraki's subscription-based model offers schools and parents the option to pay daily, monthly or annual fees for access to its digital tools and services.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Vodacom achieves five-year strategy targets and increases the 2025 dividend by 5. 1%
Vodacom hopes to grow its customer base to 260 million people using its network by 2030, this after reaching 211.3 million customers in its 2025 financial year. Image: Supplied Vodacom Group met five-year targets and lifted its full-year dividend 5.1% to 620 cents a share, even though it served 9.2 million fewer customers in the year to March 31. South Africa's second biggest mobile network operator has also upgraded its medium-term operational earnings growth targets. CEO Shameel Joosub said Monday normalised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased 7.8% to R55.52 billion in the past year and that the five-year target for this metric had been adjusted to double-digit figures from high single-digit figures. 'As we draw the curtain on our Vision 2025 strategy, I am proud of the progress we made over five years to deliver on our targets. This was despite a challenging environment marked by a global health crisis, currency volatility, geopolitical tensions, inflation pressures and energy disruptions in South Africa,' Joosub said in a statement. He said they finished the second half strongly, despite currency volatility, which had since stabilised, particularly in Egypt. Group revenue increased 1.1% to R152.2bn, despite big foreign exchange headwinds. Group service revenue fell by 0.1% in rands, but increased 11.2% on a normalised basis, above the medium-term target. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Financial services revenue increased 17.6% on the same basis to R14bn, contributing 11.6% to group service revenue. The group now serves a combined 211.3 million customers and 87.7 million financial services customers, including Safaricom on a 100% basis. 'Over the five-year period, we significantly expanded geographic and product diversification resulting in the number of customers using our networks increasing from 115.5 million to 211.3 million, while financial services customers rose from 53.2 million to 87.7 million, including Safaricom, over the same period,' said Joosub. Headline earnings a share for the past year increased 1.3% to 857 cents, reflecting strong growth in the second half. Operating profit was up 10.9% to R35.79 billion. 'We now seek to ensure we deliver against our Vision 2030 ambitions, which include growing our customer base to 260 million and financial services customer base to 120 million,' he said. Group service revenue from beyond mobile was targeted to increase to 30% from 21% currently. Group service revenue and EBITDA targets were upgraded from high single-digit to double-digit growth. He said the performance in South Africa over the past year had been resilient, and there was outstanding, continued growth in Egypt and Tanzania. The businesses in Mozambique and DRC were impacted by post-election tensions and conflict, but with momentum behind peace efforts in both countries, the group was hopeful of improved prospects. The South African business saw service revenue growth of 2.3%, led by a recovery in the prepaid segment, sustained data traffic growth of over 36.4%, and the increasing contribution of beyond mobile services. 'These services, encompassing financial and digital services, fixed and IoT, contributed R11.2bn, or 17.8% of South Africa's service revenue,' he said. The International business spanning DRC, Lesotho, Mozambique and Tanzania achieved 7.1% normalised service revenue growth. Tanzania saw service revenue growth of 20.5% and EBITDA increased 25.2% in shillings. Lesotho and DRC grew service revenue by 10.4% and 8.2% respectively, in local currency. M-Pesa, Africa's largest mobile money platform, processed over $450.8bn in transaction value, reflecting an 18.3% increase. In Ethiopia, a 103.2% increase in customer base to 8.8 million was driven by growing demand for connectivity and a growing commercial trajectory. Service revenue in local currency increased 238.9%. 'As the second most populous country in Africa, Ethiopia remains integral to our long-term growth ambitions, and we are encouraged by the market's response to our entry and the regulatory strides being made,' said Joosub. Egypt delivered service revenue of R27.7bn, contributing 23% to the group. Service revenue for the year was up 45.2%, accelerating to 47.7% in the fourth quarter, supported by a strong commercial campaign and price adjustments across mobile and fixed services in December. The group has lodged an appeal at the Competition Tribunal following a decision to prohibit Vodacom's proposed acquisition of a stake in Maziv, the parent of Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa. Visit:
