A few weeks ago, I wrote an effusive blog post about Airtel Kenya’s Smarta Bundles, exploring how they could be one of the most disruptive offerings in Kenya’s mobile network market. But as the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding — so I decided to sign up and experience it firsthand.

Having been an off-and-on Airtel Kenya user, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I’ve found myself using Airtel’s service more than expected — an affirmation to the fact that Smarta Bundles are actually compelling. That said, my ingrained mobile habits kept pulling me back to Safaricom’s Internet and M-Pesa — a reminder that Safaricom “owns” us in ways we rarely acknowledge.

The Good, The Bad & What’s Next

1. The Mobile Internet Experience: As Good as Safaricom?

One of the biggest surprises so far has been how good Airtel Kenya’s mobile data speeds are. I have been using both 4G and 5G, and there has been no discernible difference compared to Safaricom’s network performance. Given that Safaricom has always been known for having the best mobile network in Kenya, this was unexpected — but in a good way.

The reality is that if you are in an area with strong Airtel Kenya coverage, the mobile internet experience is just as good as what you would get on Safaricom. This makes Smarta Bundles even more appealing since it offers a similar level of service at a much lower cost.

2. Data: Great Value, But Why the 2GB Daily Cap?

I signed up for the KES 1,500 Smarta Bundle, which offers:

• 60GB of data (2GB per day, rolls over if unused)
• 900 minutes to other networks
• Unlimited Airtel-to-Airtel calls
• 5,000 SMSs to other networks
• 100% cashback on Airtel Money transaction fees

Here’s the catch: Airtel Kenya only allocates 2GB daily instead of giving the full 60GB upfront. I currently have 18GB accumulated, which is decent, but as a power user, I’d prefer having full control over my data usage instead of being limited to 2GB per day.

3. Calls & SMS: Overkill, But A Nice Bonus!

I haven’t made any calls or sent texts yet, but having 900 minutes and 5,000 SMSs is insanely generous — more than I’ll probably ever use. I’ll be testing this feature more in the coming weeks.

4. Airtel Money: Time To Finally Give It A Shot

I’ve never used Airtel Money, but I plan to sign up this week. M-Pesa turned 18 years old last week, and while it’s still the undisputed king of mobile money, Airtel Money is gaining market share quarter by quarter, according to Communications Authority of Kenya reports.

I want to see if it’s a viable alternative — especially since Airtel offers 100% cashback on transaction fees, something M-Pesa does not.

5. Airtel Kenya Mobile App: Smooth UX & Flexible Payment Options

I must give credit where it’s due — Airtel Kenya’s mobile app is well-designed and easy to use. Buying Smarta Bundles through the app was quick and seamless.

One thing that stood out is how many payment options are available:

• M-Pesa (yes, Airtel Kenya lets you pay via Safaricom’s M-Pesa)
• Credit & debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) via DPO Pay & Tingg by Cellulant
• Other mobile wallets & PSPs

I actually purchased my Smarta Bundle using M-Pesa, and it worked flawlessly. This reminds me of Microsoft’s strategy under Satya Nadella — competing while still collaborating.

Will Airtel Kenya Win Over More Users?

After over a week of using Smarta Bundles, I can confidently say:

• The value is unbeatable — KES 1,500 for 60GB, plus calls & texts, is hard to ignore.
• Airtel’s mobile app is well-designed and easy to use.
• The ability to pay using M-Pesa and other payment methods is a great touch.
• The biggest limitation? The 2GB daily data cap.
• Mobile internet speeds on Airtel’s 4G and 5G are just as good as Safaricom’s.

That said, while it is very unlikely that I will ever leave Safaricom, Smarta Bundles and Airtel Money have given me a real reason to use my Airtel Kenya line and internet service much more than I ever have before.