Safaricom introduces B-LIVE, a time-based way to get online

Safaricom has rolled out B-LIVE, a time-based data option that lets customers pay for internet access by the hour instead of by megabytes or gigabytes. The company lists three headline offers: 1 hour for KES 20, 3 hours for KES 50, and 6 hours for KES 150, all purchasable via *544# or *555#.

While the launch announcements highlights a few, Safaricom’s own FAQs describe a fuller lineup that may appear for some users, including 1.5 hours for KES 30, 2 hours for KES 60, 4.5 hours for KES 75, and KES 150 for 6 hours.

Safaricom B-Live Unlimited Access Options:

• 1 hour – KES 20
• 1.5 hours – KES 30
• 2 hours – KES 60
• 3 hours – KES 50
• 4.5 hours – KES 75
• 6 hours – KES 150

“We recognise that our customers are different. Some prefer managing their usage in MBs or GBs, while others simply want to enjoy the internet for a set period of time. By adding this option, we’re putting control back in the hands of our customers and enabling them to focus on what matters most — whether that’s learning, creating, connecting, or hustling”, said Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Chief Consumer Business Officer, Safaricom PLC.

Why this matters

Most bundles in Kenya are still volume-based, which can be unpredictable when streaming, downloading large files, or jumping on a quick online class. B-LIVE flips the model by letting you pay for a time window and use it however you like in that period. That makes it useful for short, focused sessions such as an hour of lectures, a few hours of uploads, or a commute’s worth of browsing.

This is also the latest in a series of bundle experiments from Safaricom. In recent years the telco has tested non-expiry bundles, Go Monthly all-in-one plans, and seasonal promos like Data Dabo Dabo. B-LIVE fits that pattern of trying new pricing mechanics to address customer pain points.

What we don’t know yet

Safaricom’s press materials do not mention app restrictions, speed caps, or fair-usage thresholds for B-LIVE. On mobile, the company typically doesn’t publish strict per-bundle FUPs, though its home internet products do have caps. Treat B-LIVE as “time-based, not app-limited,” but remember your real-world speeds still depend on coverage and congestion in your area.

It’s also worth noting the FAQs call B-LIVE a “promotion”, but Safaricom’s press release doesn’t state an end date. If this shapes up like past tests, pricing or availability could shift. We’ll update if Safaricom publishes final timelines.

Who benefits most

• Students and tutors: predictable one-hour access for classes or revisions without worrying about MBs.
• Creators and small teams: multi-hour blocks for uploads, live sessions, or software updates.
• Gig workers and travelers: short bursts for navigation, client calls, or file transfers on the move.

If you need month-long predictability, Safaricom’s Go Monthly still bundles data, voice, and SMS in one plan. But for task-based sessions, B-LIVE may simply be cheaper and more convenient.

Quick tips before you buy

• Pick your window wisely. Network performance could dip at peak times. If speed matters, schedule your hour when your area is quieter. That could be the challenge here.
• Try multiple menus. If you don’t see all durations on *544# or *555#, check again later or try *444# as some users have found offers there.