Safaricom confirmed it updated its data bundle packages after customers reacted strongly to changes in its cheapest plans.
Subscribers complained after Safaricom quietly limited widely used options such as the 1-hour 1GB plan, which customers previously could use around the clock. Under the new rules, users can access hourly data bundles only between 11:00 PM and 4:00 PM each day, which creates a seven-hour blackout window during peak evening hours.
In response to criticism on X, Safaricom said the changes give it room to introduce “Pata More” deals, which offer extra data at regular prices.
With the new pricing, daily users receive 250 MB for Ksh 20 and 1.5 GB for Ksh 99. Monthly subscribers get 21.5 GB for Ksh 1,000, which Safaricom said doubles earlier allocations. Customers can access the updated bundles using the *544# or *555# shortcodes.
“We had a review of data bundles and there is “Pata More” data packages on *544#ok or via *555#. The hourly data plans are available between 11 pm and 4 pm,” Safaricom said.
The telco explained that MyOneApp uses a mix of SIM card and cellular network information to verify users. It then triggers automatic security lockouts when customers switch to Wi‑Fi or when they roam internationally.
Safaricom acknowledged that the rollout delivered a poor user experience, especially for customers in the diaspora. It also confirmed that its engineering teams are actively fixing the authentication problems.
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