NAIROBI, Kenya, July 1 – Internet service providers (ISPs) could be required to bill customers based on the amount of data they use instead of fixed-rate packages under a proposed amendment to Kenya’s communications law.
The Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Aldai MP Marianne Jebet Kitany, seeks to introduce mandatory metered internet billing for all internet service providers.
If passed, the law would require ISPs to deploy billing systems capable of monitoring customers’ internet usage, converting it into readable consumption records and generating invoices based on actual data consumed.
According to the Bill, the changes are intended to protect consumers from unfair billing practices and safeguard their economic interests in line with Article 46 of the Constitution, which guarantees consumer rights.
“The principal object of this Bill is to amend the Kenya Information and Communications Act… to provide for internet billing by internet service providers for metered billing of internet use, based on consumption in order to mitigate exploitation and to secure economic interests of internet users,” the Bill states.
It further requires providers to develop and deploy quality metered billing systems capable of monitoring customer usage, converting it into readable records and generating invoices based on consumption.
The proposed law also requires internet providers to align their billing models with the value customers derive from different internet services.
The memorandum accompanying the Bill states that telecommunications and consumer protection fall under the national government’s mandate and that the proposed legislation does not affect the functions of county governments.
It also notes that implementing the law may require additional public expenditure, although no cost estimates have been provided.
If approved by Parliament, the Bill could significantly change Kenya’s internet pricing model by shifting providers toward usage-based billing instead of fixed-rate or unlimited internet packages.
