Tag: Airtel Kenya news

Airtel launches Unique Product with Affordable Post Paid Plans

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

Airtel Kenya, a leading telecommunications and mobile money services provider has launched the Airtel Premier product: My plan, ‘Chaguo Langu’, offering different postpaid plans for calls, SMS, and data for its customers.

The new ‘Airtel Premier: My plan, ‘Chaguo Langu’ product targets micro, small and medium enterprises, startup entities, individual and corporates with unique choices of Premier calling and data plans that suit their operations.

Airtel Premier “Chaguo Langu” offers 100% more data and 150% more minutes than the current offers available in the market.

Airtel Premier offers three distinct packages:

  • “Bonga Zaidi” for those with a need to make more calls
  • “Browse Ukibonga”for people who need a good balance of calls talk time and data.
  • Browse Zaidifor heavy data users.

Uniquely, Airtel Premier Subscribers will enjoy FREE Airtel to Airtel calls even after they have exhausted the allocated ALL-Network minutes. Rollover of Minutes, Data, and SMS is applicable when customers renew their Airtel Premier subscription with the same plan within ten days of expiry.

“Airtel is delighted to introduce exclusive Airtel Premier plans that gives Kenyans the freedom to choose the best-personalized calling and data services. This product is our commitment to continue delivering innovative and relevant communication solutions to all Kenyans,” said Airtel Kenya Managing Director Ashish Malhotra.

How to enrol in Airtel Premier “Chaguo Langu”

Customers can visit any Airtel shop countrywide and get assistance. Dial *100# to locate an Airtel shop closest to you. After enrolment, customers can subscribe to their desired plan based on their budget and communication needs by dialling *544#.

Airtel Premier “Chaguo Langu” Plans include:

Price (KSH) Bonga Zaidi Browse Ukibonga Browse Zaidi
999 600 MINS
600 SMS
5 GB		 400 MINS
400 SM
10 GB		 200 MINS
200 SMS
15 GB
1,499 700 MINS
700 SMS
15 GB		 600 MINS
600 SMS
20 GB		 400 MINS
400 SMS
25 GB
1,999 1,000 MINS
1,000 SMS
25 GB		 800 MINS
800 SMS
35 GB		 500 MINS
500 SMS
45 GB
2,999 1,500 MINS
1,500 SMS
45 GB		 1,200 MINS
1,200 SMS
60 GB		 900 MINS
900 SMS
75 GB
4,999 3,000 MINS
3,000 SMS
75 GB		 2,500 MINS
2,500 SMS
100 GB		 2,000 MINS
2,000 SMS
125GB

 

Booster Pack

Airtel Premier “Chaguo Langu” enables customers to purchase the below data or voice booster pack if they exhaust their resources before the end of the subscription period.

PRICE (KSh) BOOSTER PACK
250 KSh 5 GB
500 KSh 15 GB
200 KSh 200 ALL NETWORK MINUTES

 

Airtel Kenya Introduces Airtel TV – an entertainment streaming app on your mobile phone!

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

Airtel Networks Kenya Ltd has today announced the launch of its Airtel TV app that offers a whole new world of entertainment via mobile phones. The launch of Airtel TV will make Airtel the first telecommunications company to launch an entertainment streaming app in Kenya.

Airtel TV allows customers to enjoy the best of local and international entertainment on their smartphones, ranging from Movies, Drama, Documentaries, Music and Cartoons. Premium content from the top Studios including Universal, Nickelodeon and the BBC will be available WITHOUT SUBSCRIPTION to all Airtel mobile telephone subscribers in Kenya.

 

Viewers simply use their Airtel SIM card to download the Airtel TV app and can enjoy watching immediately in the palm of their hands, at home and on the go.

Airtel Networks Kenya Ltd CEO Prasanta Das Sarma expressed his excitement at the launch of the new service.

“Airtel TV is set to revolutionize the video on demand & Live TV viewing experience via smartphones, offering Airtel customers access to the very best shows, movies and live television engagements for free. Airtel TV has no monthly subscriptions and is accessible as long as you have data for streaming.” Says the CEO.

Airtel TV app is available for download today from Play Store and Apple Store. All customers can download and register with their Airtel line and start enjoying their favourite entertainment genres.

 

These are the easy steps to install Airtel TV

  • Go to Google Play Store or Apple Store and select Airtel TV.
  • Fill in the registration form with an Airtel phone number and email address.
  • Insert the OTP sent to your mobile phone to complete the registration.
  • Data charges apply.

Airtel Africa plc employees based in Nairobi contribute towards Government’s COVID-19 Initiatives

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

Nairobi-based employees of Airtel Africa plc have come together and contributed a donation of 12.7 million shillings to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund, in support of the Government’s initiatives.  The donation is comprised of voluntary employee contributions, which were matched by a corporate donation from Airtel Africa plc.

This is over and above various initiatives, some indicated below, that the organization has put in place to cushion the impact of the pandemic since the announcement of the Coronavirus pandemic in Kenya. Airtel has made it a priority to mitigate the impact of the virus by helping its customer’s access services, keep the communities going and ensuring that all the employees remain safe. Nairobi is the headquarters for Airtel Africa plc, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Airtel Africa plc is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries across Africa and over 110 million customers.

The donation is comprised of voluntary employee contributions, which were matched by Airtel Africa plc. This employee-led voluntary donation is in addition to corporate-level donations of over $2.6 million, committed towards protective equipment for health workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic across Africa. Today’s employee-led hand over was made to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund Chairperson, Ms. Jane Karuku.

Raghunath Mandava, CEO, Airtel Africa:                                             

Airtel and each of its employees are committed to supporting the government in the fight against the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Along with following all the safety measures and instructions provided by the Government, we believe we should lend our support in every possible way. Airtel Africa has provided various free services in the countries it operates in and also made donations, in cash and in kind, across the 14 countries within its operations.

At a personal level, the employees have taken a voluntary deduction of salaries over the next few months that will be matched by the Company and donated towards this fight in each country. Each and every member of our team in Nairobi reiterates their individual support for the Kenya COVID-19 response through this collective contribution.

 

Ms. Jane Karuku, COVID-19 Emergency Fund Chairperson:        

This is an important partnership with Airtel Africa plc in Kenya and demonstrates a real commitment to further support us, whilst we all work each day to defeat this pandemic. Private sector interventions can mitigate the social and economic impacts of the Coronavirus, stimulate economic recovery and create resilience to future outbreaks.

Airtel has already taken several steps to help mitigate the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, including …

  • Free access to Educational sites: Responded positively to the government’s directive to suspend learning in all educational institutions all over the country by partnering with Longhorn Publishers to offer free internet access to students accessing the Longhorn e-learning Platform.
  • Airtel Money Charges: Following consultations with key government agencies, Airtel removed all transaction fees making it possible for Kenyans to send and receive money for free on the Airtel Money platform. Airtel also revised the transaction limits for mobile money transaction to boost and support the SME and micro business enterprises.
  • Customer Communication: Airtel have been running a digital awareness campaign on their social media platforms to share information and prevention tips for COVID-19.

 

Airtel offers free transactions on Airtel money across all bands

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

Airtel Kenya is grateful to the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya Dr. Patrick Njoroge for bringing the all industry players together earlier today to discuss the issues affecting Wananchi during this outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya.

Following upon this meeting, and in response to H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta’s appeal to mobile money operators to consider reducing mobile money transaction costs to customers, Airtel Kenya has decided to remove all its transaction fees, making it possible for Kenyans to send and receive money for FREE on its Airtel Money platform.

Starting today, March 17, 2020, Airtel Kenya will waive all person to person transaction fees for Airtel Money customers across all the bands for the next 90 days.

Further to this, in boosting and supporting the SME and micro business enterprise, together with the Central Bank of Kenya we have also revised the transaction limits for mobile money transaction as follows;

  • The daily transaction limit for mobile money has been increased from Ksh. 70,000 to Ksh. 150,000
  • Daily limit for mobile money transactions from Ksh. 140,000 to Ksh. 300,000
  • Mobile Money wallet balance limit increased from Ksh. 140,000 to Ksh. 300,000
  • The current tariff for mobile money transactions for Ksh.70,000 will apply for transactions up to Ksh. 150,000
  • Charges waived for transfers from Airtel money wallet to the bank account

In partnership with the government, Airtel has set up a toll free line 719, where all customers can now access information and updates on the COVID-19. This will enable Kenyans to gain better understanding and knowledge on how to prevent and manage any suspected cases.

Airtel would like to thank the government of Kenya and other industry stakeholders for the continued proactive measures aimed at ensuring the safety of all Kenyans during this period.

We remain committed to working together with all key stakeholders in safeguarding the lives of all Kenyans.

Airtel now shifts all her customers to a simple, no subscription, no Expiry 1 bob per 5mb data rate.

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

Airtel Kenya has revolutionized the data market by allowing all its customers to enjoy the best data rate of Sh.1 bob for 5MB as the default data tariff for its prepaid customers.  The rate translates to 20 cents per MB of data.

The company has also rolled out a new advertising campaign dubbed “SwitchToAirtel” to drive awareness and urge customers to move from competition and take advantage of the out of bundle data rates that have no conditions and no expiry dates.

The new rate that emphasizes the ease of access to data services is set to cement Airtel’s position as the most customer friendly operator, offering the best rates on its fast and modern 4G network across the country.

In addition to the best data rates, customers can also enjoy the best voice rates in Kenya of 2/- bob per minute by simply dialing *544*2#.

Airtel continues to guarantee its customers the best value for money by meeting their communication needs through simple and transparent charges; without any hidden costs, subscriptions or worries about the rates they pay.

In a statement, Airtel’s Managing Director, Prasanta Das Sarma said, “Airtel understands that customers are wary of browsing out of bundle because of the high data costs. To alleviate these concerns, we are now offering all our customers the best in market out of bundle data rate of 1 bob per 5MB. With this rate, customers can browse freely even without a data manager as they need not worry about being charged more. From today, all customers are now accessing the internet on Airtel with the best rates that have no subscriptions and no expiry. Our customers can also enjoy the best call rates of 2 bob per minute by dialing *544*2#.”

Airtel continues to grow and gain market share in Kenya due to its increased investment in network expansion, new innovative products and seamless customer service.

 

Flexible Airtel serves a clear knock-out to rigid Safaricom in the competitive tariff war!

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

Airtel has released a new voice and data tariff that should have you scrambling to join up, if you’re still in the cold. An elementary comparison between the tariffs offered by Airtel against those of their closest competitor Safaricom, will leave you slapping your own forehead in disbelief. It begs some self-examination:

Why on earth are we NOT on the Airtel network?

First, some vital basics. You are sure of actually getting everything you pay for on Airtel, unlike Safaricom. A rock-solid reputation of honesty. If you purchase 100mb, you deserve to actually get 100mbs. An average Kenyan is on the receiving end of human and corporate scams, it’s a refreshing thought to know you can #BeSureNaAirtel.

Let’s see who has a bigger heart:

  1. Voice Call Rate

Safaricom – 4 bob per minute, including taxes.

Airtel – 2 bob per minute, including taxes.

No prizes here for guessing which network is a better choice for your already-tight budget.

  1. Data Browsing

Airtel has a flat rate of 1 bob for 5mbs – irrespective of amount a subscriber spends.

Safaricom – less than 10 bob gives you 2mbs at 1 bob

10 – 50 bob gives you 3.5mbs at 1 bob (They even sell half MBs, how odd is that?)

50 bob plus – gives you 5mbs at 1 bob

The low-end user on Safaricom network with limited purchasing ability beyond 50 bob bears the                     brunt on Safaricom network.  Again, Airtel wins on this level as being friendly to a subscriber on the far end of the economic food chain.

  1. Subscription Procedures

Airtel – No need to purchase a bundle. Once you load airtime, just dial *544*2#.

Safaricom – Needs to manually subscribe for a Voice or Data bundle every time airtime is loaded.

One of the best features with the Airtel tariff is that it doesn’t expire. It’s a lifetime offer. For people with a busy lifestyle, it’s both convenient and time saving. Just load airtime and start your business – call or browse direct from your airtime. No hidden charges or conditions whatsoever.

Safaricom network, however, is still as rigid and conditional as ever. Each time one loads airtime, one has to pause and figure out which of the tariffs to subscribe. It’s bothersome and time-consuming to keep subscribing. In frequent cases some users are not conversant with the endless procedures, or forget in the thick of business, they end up spending more credit than they planned for.

It’s not hyperbole. On all fronts, Airtel is the network that’s user-friendly and in touch with the woes of an average Kenyan contending with the end effects of a slow economy.

It’s time you get smarter. This tariff rate on Airtel is available for new and existing users.

Get an Airtel line (if you are still not using Airtel) and enjoy the best rates. There’s no conditions. No complicated bundle purchase procedures – just browse directly or call from your credit/airtime. This tariff is applicable for Lifetime, No Expiry!

Just Dial *544*2#.

It doesn’t have to cost an arm to follow threads, view and share memes, video-chat with distant friends. Airtel has you covered.

#BeSureNaAirtel

Airtel launches Kenya’s best, no expiry rates for data and voice

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

Driven by the goal to offer more value to its customers, Airtel Kenya today launched no expiry data and call rates that will allow customers to spend as low as 1 bob for 5MB data and to make calls at 2bob across all networks. This move demonstrates Airtel’s commitment to offer quality products and services whilst firmly establishing its position in the market as the company that offers great value for money.

At the same time, the company also revamped its entire Amazing data bundle offerings to give more data for the same cost as before e.g. 3GB for Kshs300 up from 1.5GB, 5GB for Kshs 500 up from 4GB and 12GB for Kshs 1000 up from 10GB with 30 days validity. The new offerings are targeted towards customers who are looking to meet their communication needs with ease and not worry about any hidden costs or conditions. To activate the new rates, customers need to dial *544*2#.

The new products campaign dubbed ‘BeSureNaAirtel’ is pegged on showing customers the exact rates and value they get for their investment. The new offers have no hidden charges or conditions for use, thus customers are assured of getting what they pay for at the most competitive rates.

Speaking at the launch event, Airtel’s Managing Director, Prasanta Das Sarma said, “We are pleased to introduce the industry’s best no expiry rates for data and voice to all our customers. We have also revamped our Amazing data bundles to cater for our heavy data users, by offering up to 100% more data. These new offerings are based on emerging consumer insights and trends that show a substantial increase in data usage for both social and business needs as well as the need for customers to not worry about the cost of data while browsing.”

He expressed his confidence that the new rates and revamped bundles will meet all the communication needs of Airtel’s customers even with as low airtime balance as Kshs 1.

Airtel continues to invest in the business to bring more innovative products and services and enhance its network coverage.

Co-operative Bank opens festive season for their clients by scrapping charges on bank balance inquiry

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

It’s the little things in life that make a difference.

It’s a very fragile axis that a good day swings on. The little things around us.  A baby’s toothless smile on the matatu’s ride to work. A random complement on a new hairstyle by a good-natured colleague at work. A cheery emoji on a social media post. A particularly funny meme that reminds you of some old, cranky relative. It’s simple, really.

On the other hand, a bad day doesn’t need much coaxing to turn up. Your landlord may wake up on the wrong side of bed and decide an impromptu rent hike. The long-suffering Japanese jalopy decides to give up the ghost without warning – you got to work late. The boss doesn’t understand how that relates to punctuality at work.

Co-operative Bank, however, understands the challenges her clients meet on a daily basis, and continuously strives to improve and sanitize packages to give a better, home-based banking experience.

Do you know Co-Operative Bank no longer charges a dime to check your bank balance?

This is particularly welcome news to a large cadre of business owners who take payment for goods and service through their Co-op Bank accounts. No matter how many times they have to check their balance for proof of payments, it’s all free.

Any news that softens the grip on the budget line is good news. Any coin saved readily plugs some hole in the budget. Towards the rent, and ultimately to more savings – perhaps, in a few years, you can save up and get your own digs. Best case scenario, you can be a landlord, too. And, certainly a better one.

It’s a welcome, progressive step towards a hassle-free banking experience.

How To Not Seem Dumb When You Return to Kenya !

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

The first time I flew back into the country, I had spent 8 years away swatting at leather-bound journals, for a law degree. No one in the family came to my graduation party – none could afford the air ticket and visa fees to the US. But my family outdid themselves at the airport. I met a busload of excited relatives in various levels of sobriety dancing and waving fly whisks at the airport.

It’s understandable – my law degree was the first one in the family.

We then embarked on slow bus ride for several hours to our rural home. I remember most of that bus ride was spent getting the updates, and it was a lot to cover. I was 8 years behind. It was hard to stomach everything thrown at me, and my cousins are not averse to hyperbole.

I got internship and a job in the US soon after, and since then, am usually away for spells lasting two, perhaps, three years. My relatives soon tired of the airport fanfare, and nowadays, I do not even call to alert them of my imminent arrival.

And, I usually hardly need their exaggerated updates on what’s happening in the country. Plus, their scope is a little limited to the affairs in the village – whose daughter has married off whose son, et al.

Airtel Kenya has got me covered.

Immediately I clear customs, I switch on my Airtel lines, and dial *544# for the latest data offers.

It sure feels nice to be home, with Airtel Kenya data packages. I have a lot to catch up on the long bus ride home – without drunken singing in the background.

Airtel Kenya has the UNLIMINET bundle. For just Ksh.500, I get an excess of 2.5GB + 150 Mins + 1000 SMS valid for a Month.

But I have nephews and nieces who love YouTube, so I usually get the Ksh.1000 package – an unbelievable 8GB + 400 Mins + 2000 SMS valid for a Month.

Once am online with Airtel data package, I usually sample the trending local hits. I realize the Odi Dance is slowly turning into a global revolution. There’s various hits – Na Iwake Remix, Wamlambez (a little hard to wrap my head around), the perennially awesome Moipei Sisters are still at it.

In my free time, I like to moonlight as an amateur chef, mostly through local cuisine. How else to treat your relatives than by making them their everyday dishes in a spanking new way? I log into cooking blogs, and there’s a whole lot of new ones – PikaChakula, Kaluhi’s Kitchen, Ordinary Kitchen among others.

Prepare your palates, family. Master Chef has landed.

I like to travel when I visit Kenya – I need to keep my bragging rights back in the diaspora. I skim all the latest travel news. I learn of the popular Sky Diving feature at Diani Beach, South Coast.

Not that I intend to try that. My mother would remind me to get married first. Thou shall not risk my future grandkids. So I skim news about The Serengeti, The Mara and the annual wildebeest migration. I certainly wouldn’t mind a road trip.

Thanks to Airtel, by the time I hit the rural, I am up to date. Perhaps, much more than the average resident.

Take advantage of Airtel affordable data, dial *544# and get going.

 

8 reasons why you should #SwitchToAirtel

Posted on by David Kingsley

I’ve been using Airtel for a while now and believe you me, it has been a good journey! In as much as the network is not foolproof, I’ve never really had a reason to complain since all my telecommunication needs are met.

Over the years, I’ve given my friends and family members several reasons why they should join the most reliable network, Airtel. Those who heeded to my call have never looked back so today, I’m going to try and prevail upon you to join the bandwagon by listing down 8 reasons why you should switch to Airtel for good:

1. Best rates for voice, data and texts – one of the many things I love about Airtel is that the prices for data, texts and bundles are pocket friendly – you get so much more at a good bargain.

Airtel to Airtel calls are free on the Tubonge tarrif while calling other networks is only KSh. 2.3!

What’s even more is that they have combo bundles. This basically means that you can buy an all-in-one package that comes with data, voice and texts.

Dial *544#, select (3) UnlimiNET and then choose your preferred bundle.

2. Free WhatsApp – what amazes me about Airtel’s free WhatsApp offer is that it does not eat into your bundles. You can download all those ‘large’ videos that you get on WhatsApp groups without having to worry about exhausting your data. The free WhatsApp offer is considered as a separate package.

3. No ghost subscription – I’m sure most of you have experienced the annoying texts messages from services or subscriptions that you don’t remember opting in to. Well, at Airtel you will never experience such; all subscriptions have to be done by the individual.

4. After call-balance notifications – after you call someone using your Airtel line, you’ll get pop up message telling you how much you’ve spent, the duration of the call and your balance. This helps in keeping track of your usage and balance call after call.

5. Introduction of super-fast 4G – nothing beats the feeling of enjoying the same speeds when you travel out of town. Airtel has expanded its 4G coverage sites to over 40 new towns across the country including Kisumu, Nyeri, Meru, Nakuru, Bungoma, Lamu and Garissa among others. This means that you can enjoy instant uploads and express downloads from over 40 towns.

What’s even more is that you get 2GB free data when you upgrade your line to 4G!

6. Excellent customer service – when you call Airtel’s customer care line or seek assistance on their Twitter or Facebook pages, they get back to you and resolve the issue within a very short time. This is so as to ensure a seamless user experience.

7. Efficient automation – whenever you subscribe to an auto-renewal service, your package will be renewed before expiry, this saves you the hassle of having to key in the USSD codes all the time.

8. Airtel’s Kopa Credo – you may be familiar with those instances when you need airtime the most to make that urgent call but failed unfortunately because you lacked enough airtime on your phone. Not only are such moments really disappointing, but are also traumatizing to some extent.

This is where Airtel’s Kopa Credo service comes in handy. It allows you to access airtime during such moments when you need to talk to someone yet your phone is out of units.

Does it get any better than this? What are you waiting for? #SwitchToAirtel and #GetWhatYouPayFor.

Airtel offers cheapest data bundle plus free WhatsApp after increasing its market share 

Posted on by Martin Oduor

Airtel offers cheapest data bundle plus free WhatsApp after increasing its market share. More and more Kenyans are moving to Airtel according to data from Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK). Sector statistics from CAK for the period between April and June 2018 shows that Airtel’s subscribers rose from 8.7 million to 9.7 million to secure a market share of 21.4%.

Airtel is even doing more to attract more Kenyans, the telco has revamped its Amazing Data offering and has also launched free WhatsApp for every bundle purchased.

What this means is that majority of Kenya (aged 18-35) who use data the most will find it convenient and attractive to use Airtel than any other network.

Data is key amongst the youth in Kenya especially university students, and it is also one of the key determinant of the
preferred network. With Airtel offering free WhatsApp for every bundle purchased, it only a matter of time before all these youth move to Airtel.

Amazing Data

Airtel data package is the cheapest in Kenya, for instance with Airtel Amazing Data (*544#) you get 2GB plus free WhatsApp for the whole day for only Kes 99 bob.

Other daily data packages include; 40MB for Kes 10 bob, 100MB for Kes 20 bob, 400MB for Kes 50 bob, 250MB night data for Kes 20 bob. Remember once you subscribe to these data packages you get free WhatsApp by default.

Also important to note is that Airtel’s free WhatsApp does not eat into your purchased bundle, the free WhatsApp is separate from the bundle however you have to purchase the bundle to enjoy the free WhatsApp for the duration purchased.

The speed also does not reduce if your bundle depletes. If the bundle you bought was for a day/24 hours then the bundle is over say at 15 hours, you will continue enjoying free WhatsApp at the same speed as if using the bundles until the subscribed duration of 24 hours is over.

There are at least 12 million Kenyans who use WhatsApp according to the research done by Kenya bloggers Association( KBA) 2018, Airtel has created a good platform for retention and recruitment of new customers. With such kind of strategies, Airel is surely poised to increase it market share by a bigger percentage.