Kenyans could soon enjoy lower cross-network call charges after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) announced a phased reduction of Mobile Termination Rates (MTRs) over the next four years.
In a fresh review, the regulator directed that termination rates be reduced from the current 41 cents per minute to 30 cents per minute under a structured implementation framework. A Mobile Termination Rate is the fee one telecommunications operator pays another to complete a call on its network.
The Communications Authority said the move is aimed at promoting fair competition while ensuring continued investment in network infrastructure across the country.
The review follows a 2022 telecommunications network cost study which established that the prevailing termination rates were higher than the actual cost of delivering the service. Based on those findings, the regulator opted for a gradual reduction to align charges with the true cost of service provision without destabilising the sector.
Currently, the retail price of making a cross-network call stands at about Ksh2.20 per minute. This cost is made up of several components. The 41 cents per minute termination rate forms part of the total charge, while approximately Ksh1.20 goes toward network service costs. An additional 60 cents accounts for taxes and operator margins.
With the new directive lowering the termination rate to 30 cents, consumers are expected to benefit from reduced overall call costs. However, the extent of savings passed to customers will depend on how individual telecommunications operators adjust their pricing models.
Industry analysts note that some operators could retain part of the reduction as margin, or restructure pricing by repackaging rates into call bundles and adjusting off-net and on-net tariffs. This means the final impact on consumer bills may vary across networks.
The latest decision also comes amid growing calls for more affordable voice services. International development partners, including the World Bank, had raised concerns that high termination rates were limiting access to affordable communication services.
The Communications Authority maintains that the phased approach strikes a balance between consumer protection and industry sustainability. By gradually reducing the rates, the regulator aims to foster healthy competition, expand connectivity, and ensure that Kenyans receive value for money when making calls across different networks.
The implementation timeline and monitoring mechanisms will determine how effectively the changes translate into lower call charges for consumers nationwide.
 announced a phased reduction of Mobile Termination Rates (MTRs) over the next four years.){kind=link}