Kenyans could soon have a different way of paying for internet services if proposals before Parliament become law.
A parliamentary committee is considering changes that could require internet providers to charge customers according to the amount of data they actually consume, potentially changing the way millions of Kenyans currently buy internet.
The proposal has already raised concerns among telecommunications players, who warn that forcing providers to introduce consumption-based billing could make internet services more expensive rather than cheaper.
Internet providers warn of higher costs
Representatives from a telecommunications company raised the concerns when they appeared before the National Assembly’s Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation on Thursday, August 13.
They argued that a pay-as-you-use model would require providers to invest in additional technology capable of monitoring and calculating customers’ data consumption.
That would include sophisticated billing platforms and Deep Packet Inspection infrastructure capable of tracking data usage down to individual units.
The additional investment, providers warned, could eventually find its way into customers’ bills.
In simple terms, while the proposed system could give consumers greater visibility over how much data they use, the technology needed to operate it could increase the cost of providing internet services.
What happens to unlimited internet packages?
Another concern is what the proposed changes could mean for the internet packages many Kenyans currently rely on.
Providers warned that mandatory consumption-based billing could disrupt unlimited and speed-based packages.
For households with people working or studying from home, schools and businesses, this could make budgeting for internet more difficult if monthly fixed-price packages become less available.
Internet companies therefore want customers to have a choice.
They argue that consumers should be able to select between different billing arrangements while still being given clear information about their actual data consumption.
MPs consider changes to the proposed law
The debate is taking place as Parliament examines the Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie said views from industry stakeholders would help lawmakers identify areas that may need to be changed before the committee makes its recommendations to Parliament.
One proposal being considered is to give consumers access to information showing how much data they are using without making pay-as-you-use billing the compulsory model for everyone.
That approach could allow Kenyans to monitor their consumption while preserving the fixed-price packages that many households and businesses already use.
What it could mean for ordinary Kenyans
If the proposal eventually becomes law in its current or a revised form, the biggest question for consumers will be whether it gives them more control over their internet spending—or simply creates another cost.
Heavy internet users could potentially benefit from greater transparency because they would have a clearer picture of how much data they consume.
However, users who depend on predictable monthly packages could face uncertainty if providers are forced to move away from speed-based or unlimited plans.
For now, the proposal remains under consideration and has not introduced a new mandatory pay-as-you-use system for Kenyan internet users.
The final outcome will depend on the recommendations made by the parliamentary committee and the subsequent legislative process.
