Safaricom has rolled out Safaricom B-Live, a new internet product that shifts from the traditional data model to time-based access. The service is being introduced as a promotional offer and is designed to address a common issue for Kenyan mobile users, like the quick depletion of data bundles due to unpredictable usage such as streaming, video calls, or downloads.
Unlike traditional data bundles, where users are allocated a specific amount of data (e.g., 1GB or 5GB), Safaricom B-Live data bundles operate on a time-based model. For instance, a user can pay KES 20 for one hour of unlimited internet or KES 150 for six hours, allowing them to use as much data as they want within the purchased time window. This model mirrors the billing structure of Safaricom’s home fibre plans, where users pay for access over a set period, but it is not tied to specific internet speeds, unlike fibre.
Options Available for Safaricom B-Live
Safaricom customers can choose from the available B-Live options depending on their browsing needs:
- KES 20 for 1 hour
- KES 50 for 3 hours
- KES 150 for 6 hours
These Safaricom B-Live bundles are accessible to both prepaid and postpaid data users. However, Safaricom has noted that not all customers will see the same bundle options, as availability may depend on usage profiles or regional tests.
How to Buy Safaricom B-Live
Customers can buy Safaricom B-Live bundles:
- By dialing USSD codes such as *544#, *555# (for Blaze), *444#, or *200#
- Through the MySafaricom app
- On the Safaricom website
To check Safaricom B-Live balance, customers can dial \*544\44# or use the MySafaricom app. Importantly, when a user has both B-Live and traditional MB/GB bundles, the safaricom blive bundle takes priority until the session expires.
Benefits of Safaricom B-Live Bundles
The benefits of Safaricom B-Live bundles include:
- Cost predictability – Users know upfront how long they will stay online without worrying about running out of data in the middle of a task. For heavy streamers or gamers, it can be cheaper than standard bundles.
- Flexibility – Users can purchase multiple blive bundles in a single day, extending internet access as needed.
- Simplified user experience – Customers track time remaining instead of monitoring MBs or GBs.
- Value for heavy usage – Students, small businesses, or those downloading large files get maximum use within the paid period.
For example, binge-watching a full series or hosting an extended online class can be more affordable with B-Live compared to traditional bundles.
Limitations and Restrictions
Despite the appeal, Safaricom B-Live comes with limitations that users should note:
- No sharing or tethering: Safaricom B-Live bundles cannot be sambaza’d (shared) or used as a hotspot. The internet is restricted to the device where the bundle is activated.
- Fair Usage Policy (FUP): Though marketed as “unlimited,” the bundles are subject to undisclosed data caps. Once thresholds (reported by some users to be 6GB or 12GB) are reached, speeds may be throttled.
- No rollover or extension: If time remains unused, it expires. Buying a new bundle does not extend an existing one.
- Inconsistent availability: Some users report different bundle prices and options, suggesting ongoing testing across profiles and regions.
- Not suitable for light users: For those who only check emails or send messages, traditional bundles may be cheaper since the timer runs whether data use is high or low.
Promotion Period
The Safaricom B-Live promotion runs from July 16, 2025, to October 13, 2025. Safaricom has not confirmed whether the offer will become permanent but may review user response before making adjustments.