Netflix To Start Charging All Kenyan Users From Next Month

The one-of-a-kind plan was launched in 2021 and allowed users to watch a limited selection of its catalogue, including full seasons of select shows

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Oct 3, 2023 - 13:17
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Netflix To Start Charging All Kenyan Users From Next Month
A screen tuned in to Netflix. /FILE

Video streaming giant, Netflix, has announced that it will end its Free Plan availed to Kenyan users on Android smartphones on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

The one-of-a-kind plan was launched in 2021 and allowed users to watch a limited selection of its catalogue, including full seasons of select shows, in a bid to get more movie and series lovers to sign up and hopefully convert them into paying subscribers.

In an email statement sent to Viral Tea on Monday, October 2, Netflix notified Free plan subscribers in Kenya that the incoming changes will see those on the plan locked out, meaning they will be forced to subscribe to continue watching their favourite shows.

A graphic poster of Netflix's free plan launched in Kenya. /NETFLIX

"We're writing to let you know about an upcoming change to your membership. On November 1st, 2023, the Free plan will no longer be available and your membership will end.

"If you want to cancel, no action is required. Your membership will be automatically cancelled when the Free plan ends on November 1st, 2023," stated Netflix in part.

The platform did not explain why it had resorted to ending the free plan which gave Android gives users the option to sign up without having to enter any payment information (though they’ll need to verify that they’re 18 or older and will still need to submit an email address to create a login). 

After November 1, Kenyan users will have no option but to upgrade to one of Netflix’s paid plans, starting as low as Ksh200 per month. By doing so, they can unlock access to all shows and movies, enjoy more features, and watch content on their phone, TV, or laptop.

On February 21, 2023, Netflix reviewed its prices downwards, explaining that it is offering its customers better value for its money.

Netflix's mobile plan now costs Ksh200 down from Ksh300 whereas its basic plan was lowered by Ksh400 to Ksh300, down from Ksh700.

Its standard plan was slashed from Ksh1,100 to Ksh700 while its premium plan now goes for Ksh1,100 down from Ksh1,450.

The video-streaming platform has been one of the most popular in the country and across the continent due to its rich collection of films and TV shows, even in the midst of geo-restrictions.

Netflix users also prefer the platform due to its functional user interface, easy navigability and low bandwidth requirements, meaning anyone can stream their favourite shows depending on the strength of their Internet connection. Others can download their favourite shows to watch offline.

Previous price hikes affecting its plans have however scared a variety of customers from Netflix, with some resorting to using the free version which was rolled out to Android users or the cheapest mobile plan available to access the entire catalogue of shows.

This has also left the platform vulnerable to being out-competed by other streaming giants such as Showmax which however announced that it was ending its Showmax Pro plan and transitioning its subscribers to newly-launched DSTV Stream.

The platform has been home to some of the world's biggest documentary exposés ranging from FIFA Uncovered to The Tinder Swindler.

The title credits for Netflix's 'FIFA Uncovered'. /FILE

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