Over the last several weeks, I’ve been receiving frequent SMS nudges from Safaricom, persistently offering me their “All in One 10000” bundle — 100GB of data, 7,500 minutes, and 10,000 SMSs for KES 10,000, valid for 30 days.

The timing couldn’t be more interesting.

I couldn’t help but wonder: has Safaricom’s customer analytics noticed a shift in how I use their network — particularly when it comes to data? It seems likely. That’s because I’ve spent the last two months actively using Airtel Kenya’s Smarta Bundles, and during that time, Airtel has effectively become my primary mobile internet provider when I’m away from home or work WiFi.

So, that persistent Safaricom SMS offer led me down a familiar path — a proper side-by-side comparison. And this time, not just at the premium KES 10,000 tier, but also at more accessible KES 1,000 and KES 2,000 levels where everyday mobile users are making real decisions about value.

Comparing Safaricom vs. Airtel: Tier by Tier

KES 1,000 Bundle: Everyday Affordability

At this price point, Airtel’s Smarta Bundle offers six times the data, more SMSs, non-expiry benefits, and cashback. That’s hard to beat.

KES 2,000 vs. KES 1,500: Mid-Tier Comparison

Despite the slightly higher minute count on Safaricom, Airtel offers quadruple the data, more SMSs, daily rollover, and no expiration with renewal — all for KES 500 less.

KES 10,000 Bundle: Premium Package Showdown

For the same price, Airtel offers significantly more flexibility, data, and long-term value, spread over six months instead of being limited to 30 days.

My Experience: From Curiosity To A New Habit

I started using Airtel’s KES 1,500 Smarta Bundle out of curiosity — and now I’m in my second month.

So far, I’ve:

• Rolled over my unused data from last month into this one
• Used my Airtel SIM as a hotspot to power my laptop and secondary phone (which carries my Safaricom SIM)
• Chosen Airtel over public WiFi more often — for convenience and security
• Experienced Internet slowdowns, though overall performance on 4G and 5G has been stable and reliable, meaning it works well. 

What’s perhaps most interesting is that Airtel has become my primary mobile data connection, while Safaricom has shifted into a secondary role when I’m away from home or work networks.

Calls, SMS, and Mobile Money: Still a Safaricom Story

Despite the bundles including large allocations for calls and texts, I’ve rarely used the Airtel line for voice or text (SMS) communication.

I prefer the simplicity of handling all calls and SMSs through my Safaricom number, which is the line I’ve used for over 20 years. It keeps things clean — professionally and personally.

When it comes to mobile money, I haven’t signed up for Airtel Money yet. M-Pesa remains my only mobile money platform — and likely will for the foreseeable future. That said, the 100% cashback feature is an incentive that’s prompting me to try it for the first time this week.

So, What’s the Real Shift?

This isn’t about switching allegiance. Safaricom remains central to how I work, transact, and communicate.

But what’s shifted is how I now think about mobile internet. Airtel has introduced a more affordable, flexible, and frankly generous alternative that works well for my on-the-go data needs.

That Safaricom is now aggressively promoting their All in One 10000 bundle — perhaps in response to decreased usage — suggests that they know the competitive landscape is shifting, too.

I won’t be leaving Safaricom anytime soon but I can confidently say that Airtel has earned its place in my mobile Internet mix — something that, even a year ago, I wouldn’t have expected.