Safaricom vs Airtel bundles in Kenya – Full comparison

Both Safaricom and Airtel reviewed their data bundle offers in mid-2026. Airtel through Jiachilie campaign in July and Safaricom through its August bundle review. Both networks have been locked in a pricing battle for Kenya’s 84.1 million mobile subscribers, and the latest round of changes has left many Kenyans frustrated.

Some popular bundles disappeared, others reduced significantly. A few new offers appeared. The result is a data landscape that is harder to navigate than ever, which is exactly why we made this comparison guide. Below is a full, verified breakdown of what both networks currently offer, what changed, and which one gives you more value for your money today. We investigated what both internet providers offers to subscribers during the day and night past 11: 00 P.M. Some offers might be personalized, dial *544# to confirm your offers.

What Changed and Why Kenyans Are Unhappy

The bundle revamps hit daily and weekly users hardest. On Airtel, the 2GB package previously valid till midnight at Ksh 50 was cut to 1GB at the same price which is a 50% reduction in value. 1GB hourly bundle costing Sh 15, is available from 11 P.M to 3:59 P.M. Outside that window, you only get 250MB for the same price.

The Smarta monthly bundles also changed. The Ksh 1,000 monthly package which offered 45GB, now only offers 22GB. The Ksh 1,500 monthly package previously delivered 90GB, it now delivers 32GB at the same price. However, Airtel softened the blow for daily subscribers by introducing the new Jiachilie 2.4GB bundle at Ksh 99, valid for 24 hours.

On Safaricom’s side, the network quietly removed the B-live package, its time-based browsing plan that many users relied on. The popular options were Sh 20 for one hour, Sh 50 for three hours, and Sh 150 for six hours. Time-based browsing is now restricted to a 1GB hourly bundle sometimes 1.2GB costing Sh 20 available only between 11 PM and 3:59 PM. Beyond that window, Safaricom no longer offers an equivalent.

To compensate, Safaricom introduced the Pata More packages which offers more options than select daily and weekly price points. The Sh 50 Pata More offer gives 900MB plus 200 SMS and free WhatsApp valid for 24 hours. The Sh 30 option gives 450MB valid till midnight.

Safaricom Data Bundles: Current Prices

How to buy: Dial *544# or use the mySafaricom app.

Safaricom Daily Bundles

Dial *544#, then select “Daily” to see your offers.

Sh 99 offers you 900MB+1.8GB+200SMS+WhatsApp for 24 hrs.

Safaricom Weekly Bundles

Dial *544#, then select “Weekly” to see your offers.

Safaricom Monthly Bundles (Data Plans) option

Dial *544#, select “Monthly”, then “Data Plans” to see your offers.

Safaricom also offers “All In One” bundles combining data, minutes, and SMS, and “Hot deals” bundles that also expire after 30 days. Dial *544# to explore all categories.

Airtel Data Bundles: Current Prices

How to buy: Dial *544# or use the MyAirtel app.

Airtel Daily Bundles

*Dial 544#, select “Amazing”, then “Daily” to see your offers.

Airtel Weekly Bundles

*Dial 544#, select “Amazing”, then “7 Day Bundle” to see your offers.

Airtel Monthly Bundles

Dial *544#, select “Amazing”, then “30 Day Bundle” to see your offers.

Daily Bundles – Safaricom vs Airtel

Weekly Bundles – Safaricom vs Airtel

Monthly Bundles – Safaricom vs Airtel

Smarta bundles (Airtel) offers vs Pata More (Safaricom) data plans offer

Which Network Should You Choose?

The monthly comparison tells an interesting story; both networks now offer almost identical data at every monthly price point. The real differences show up at the daily and weekly levels, and in the features each network offers beyond raw data.

Airtel edges ahead on most daily and weekly bundles, offering more data for the same price at the Ksh 50, Ksh 99, Ksh 100, and Ksh 250 tiers. Safaricom, however, wins the Ksh 500 weekly category with 13GB + YouTube against Airtel’s 12GB + WhatsApp.

Airtel also allows data rollover on Jiachilie bundles and Smarta Bundles. When your subscription period expires and you have unused data, they are carried over to the next subscription cycle.

Beyond the bundles themselves, Safaricom maintains a clear advantage in network coverage. Airtel’s 5G network is strong in major towns like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret, but Safaricom’s coverage extends deeper into rural Kenya which is a decisive factor for anyone who travels or works outside urban centers. Safaricom also offers no-expiry bundles (data that never expires) a feature that Airtel currently does not have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Between Safaricom and Airtel, which is cheaper?

Airtel generally gives more data for the same price at daily and weekly tiers. For example, Airtel’s Sh 99 daily bundle delivers 2.4GB while Safaricom’s equivalent delivers 1.8GB, both valid for 24 hours. At the monthly tier, both networks now offer identical data volumes at most price points.

What is Safaricom Pata More?

Pata More is a Safaricom bundle category introduced in August 2026, giving users more data and added extras including SMS and WhatsApp access at select daily and weekly price points. The Sh 50 Pata More offer gives 900MB plus 200 SMS and free WhatsApp for 24 hours.

Which network has the best monthly data bundle in Kenya?

Both networks are essentially equal at monthly tiers in 2026. Safaricom offers 25GB for Sh 1,000 and 54GB for Sh 2,000. Airtel offers 25GB for Sh 1,000 and 55GB for Sh 2,000 which is a difference of 1GB at the top tier. Your decision at the monthly level should come down to network coverage in your area and which exclusive features matter to you.

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