Cherargei demands answers as CA delays cheaper call rates for Kenyans
By Kiprono Keileb, November 20, 2025Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has raised fresh concern over the rising cost of communication in the country, saying Kenyans deserve clarity on why cheaper call rates have not been implemented despite expert recommendations.
In a statement posted by Parliament of Kenya on its official facebook account on Thursday, November, 20, 2025, Cherargei moved to the Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology, seeking answers on why the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) has not implemented lower Mobile Termination Rates (MTR), even after a consultant hired by the Authority advised a major reduction.
“Nandi County Senator Samson Cherarkey has sought a statement from the Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology regarding the non-implementation of lower Mobile Termination Rates (MTR) as recommended by a consultant engaged by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA),” the statement reads
Cherargei also noted the importance of the rates. “Mobile Termination Rates (MTRs) are a key determinant of the cost of voice calls across networks. Reducing MTRs is essential to ensuring affordable and accessible communication services for all Kenyans. A consultant engaged by the CA recommended a significant reduction in the MTR to KES 0.06 per minute, in line with international best practices, where some jurisdictions have adopted zero-rated termination charges to promote consumer welfare and market competitiveness,” the statement read.
He then pointed out the decision by the CA to set a higher rate than what was advised by the consultant. He noted this difference and the concerns it has raised. He stated.
He further noted that the CA instead announced a revised MTR of KES 0.41 per minute, effective March 1, 2024, down from the previous KES 0.58 per minute but still significantly higher than the consultant’s recommendation. This decision raises concerns about the rationale for departing from expert advice and the delay in adopting more consumer-friendly rates.
Cherargei wanted the Committee to explain why the CA settled on KES 0.41 instead of KES 0.06, and to clarify the reasons behind ignoring expert advice.
“In the statement, the Committee is required to address the reasons behind the CA’s decision to set the MTR at KES 0.41 per minute despite the consultant’s proposal of KES 0.06 per minute and to clarify the basis for the deviation from expert guidance,” the statement reads
The Senator insists that Kenyans deserve transparency, fairness, and communication services that do not strain their pockets.