By Kamadi Amata
Safaricom has launched B-Live, a first-of-its-kind data bundle that allows Kenyans to surf the internet based on time rather than megabytes.
The product marks a radical shift from the traditional pay-per-MB model that has long defined mobile data usage in Kenya. Instead of worrying about running out of bundles mid-stream, users can now purchase access by the hour – whether they’re streaming music, creating content, catching up on online classes, or simply connecting with friends.
“B-Live is about putting the power back in the hands of our customers,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa during the launch in Nairobi. “We want Kenyans to stop worrying about how much data they have left and focus on what they want to do online. This is a step toward making digital freedom a reality for all.”
B-Live is tailored for Kenya’s increasingly mobile-first population from creators and students to entrepreneurs and professionals who rely on affordable, reliable internet access daily. The move is especially significant for young hustlers and digital natives who often feel constrained by the unpredictability of data usage.
With bundles priced at KES 20 for 1 hour, KES 50 for 3 hours, and KES 150 for 6 hours, Safaricom is betting that time-based internet will appeal to budget-conscious users who prefer flexibility over rigid MB caps.
Beyond convenience, Safaricom says B-Live is part of its broader strategy to drive Kenya’s digital transformation. By offering time-based bundles on what it touts as East Africa’s most advanced network, the company aims to strengthen its role as both a telecom provider and a technology enabler.
For Safaricom, the launch signals a deeper commitment to inclusive digital growth. “This is not just about bundles. It’s about empowering Kenyans to achieve more online – whether that means learning, earning, or creating,” Ndegwa emphasized.
B-Live bundles are already available through USSD codes *544# and *555#, giving millions of Safaricom customers across the country immediate access.
With B-Live, Safaricom is not only redefining how Kenyans consume the internet, but also igniting a fresh debate: should the future of data be measured in gigabytes or in moments that truly matter?
