Making phone calls in Kenya

With regard to installing a landline........it just isn't worth it. 

Most people here use mobile phones.  Safaricom, Airtel, Orange are arguably the biggest operators, with Safaricom dominating the market and having the best coverage.  Getting going is a case of have an unlocked mobile, buying a SIM for Kes 100 or so and topping up.  SIM's have to be registered, by law.  So when purchasing one, you will need to have your passport with you.

All mobile operators offer calling and data packages, both pre paid and post paid.  Rates vary across networks and naturally, calls within the same network are cheaper.  I am unable to give exact figures for calling rates, but the operators have websites which give this information. 

For data usage, an example would be 1gb for Kes 500.  Data bundles can be 'purchased' using your airtime balance.  There are various options for various prices.  Internet speeds are good and you can use your phone as a wireless hotspot (so worth having a smartphone).

For prepaid services, vouchers are purchased and the phone topped up according to the instructions on the voucher.  Postpaid equates to having a monthly contract with the mobile provider.  Again, details are to be found on the operators websites.

It is difficult to estimate what a monthly calling budget would be, as it varies with the amount of calls that I need to make.

International calling is cost effective, certainly via Safaricom - somewhere around Kes 10 per minute, I think, to the UK.

Mobile operators also offer mobile money services.  The most successful and widely used is Safaricom's 'M-Pesa'.  Using this, you can have a balance of up to Kes 100,000 on your phone and use it to pay bills at almost any retail outlet, from roadside kiosks to Kenya Airways.  It can also be used to transfer money to other individuals, and to top up your phone.  It negates the need to carry cash and is secure in the event that your phone is stolen, or lost.  A mobile bank account service has also been launched in conjunction with KCB.   You have to register separately for this service.

It The easiest thing in the world just get a prepaid Airtel or Safaricom No. and load airtime and your ready to call anywhere in the world. All you need is your passport for Identification.

Best regards,

Richard Sanfrancis

xxx

One option is to install a reliable internet service (preferably with wifi) that comes with a phone line. You can then call overseas by wifi using such apps as whatsapp on your mobile at no extra cost or you can use the provider internet based phone at a lower cost than using your cell phone

Such services are provided by Zuku and SimbaNET