Bulk SMS prices in Kenya are usually quoted per message, but the number on the pricing page is rarely the number on your invoice. Message length, character set, volume and billing rules all change what you actually pay. Here’s how to work out the real cost before you choose a provider.
1. What counts as “one SMS”
A single SMS holds up to 160 characters when it uses the standard GSM character set (plain letters, numbers and common punctuation). Longer messages are split into parts of 153 characters each, and each part is billed as one SMS. A 300-character message costs two SMS; a 400-character message costs three.
2. The emoji and special-character trap
If a message contains a single emoji or certain special characters, it switches to Unicode. A Unicode SMS holds only 70 characters, and long Unicode messages split into parts of 67. The same text can cost twice as much because of one smiley face or a curly apostrophe pasted from a word processor. Check your templates before a big send.
3. Volume
Most providers charge less per message as monthly volume grows. Ask for the rate at the volume you’ll actually send, not the headline “from” price, and whether you have to commit to a volume upfront.
4. Questions to ask about billing
- Are failed messages charged? Sending to disconnected or invalid numbers adds up fast on large lists.
- Does credit expire? Some prepaid bundles expire after a set period.
- Are there setup or sender ID fees?
- Is pricing the same for all networks?
- What do incoming replies cost? Relevant if you use two-way messaging.
For a full list of what to compare beyond price, see our checklist for choosing a bulk SMS provider.
5. The cost of messages that don’t arrive
The cheapest rate can be the most expensive option if messages are delayed or lost. For OTPs and payment alerts, a late message means a failed login or a support call. Use delivery reports to compare providers on actual delivered messages, not just price per send.
How to lower your SMS bill
- Keep messages under 160 characters and avoid emoji in bulk sends.
- Clean your contact list regularly, using delivery reports to remove dead numbers.
- Segment campaigns so people only get messages relevant to them.
- Use USSD for information customers look up often, like balances, instead of pushing SMS.
Connect Media pricing
Connect Media’s Bulk SMS starts from KES 0.70 per SMS, with volume pricing as you scale and delivery receipts on every message. Create an account to see current rates, or email info@connectmedia.co.ke for a volume quote.
