NAIROBI, Kenya, October 8 – Safaricom, in partnership with Huawei, has unveiled VybCall, Kenya’s first Video Ring Back Tone (VRBT) service, building on the legacy of the well-known Skiza platform launched nearly 20 years ago.
The new service introduces short-form videos that allow customers to personalise their caller waiting experience.
With VybCall, users can now entertain callers with curated video content while they wait for their calls to be answered — adding a fresh twist to the traditional ring back tone. The innovation makes Kenya the first African country to roll out VRBT, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of digital mobile experiences.
“At Safaricom, we are constantly exploring new ways to give our customers choice and control through targeted experiences. The launch of Kenya’s first Video Ring Back Tone service is one way we are transforming daily moments creatively, buttressing our commitment to innovation,” said Safaricom CTIO, James Maitai.
VybCall is currently available on the Safaricom Neon range, select Samsung and Oppo devices, and Xiaomi’s Redmi A series, with support for Vivo devices expected in Q2 2026. Customers can opt in by dialling *860# on compatible devices or through the Safaricom App at vybcall.safaricom.com.
“VybCall will help the amazing creatives in Kenya, which is just one of the many ways that Huawei works with our partners to develop innovative technologies that improve customer experience and drive economic growth,” said Gavin Gao, Huawei CEO–Kenya.
Since its debut almost two decades ago, Skiza has become a household name, allowing customers to share their favourite tunes with callers. With shifting content consumption habits and the global rise of short-form video, Safaricom is innovating to ensure its services remain relevant and valuable to users.
The new feature also introduces monetisation opportunities for creators and businesses by transforming idle call time into a dynamic marketing space — enhancing customer engagement and brand visibility.
The launch of VRBT underscores Safaricom’s continued investment in enhancing customer experiences and advancing Kenya’s digital entertainment landscape.
