Streaming giant Netflix is set to discontinue its free plan in Kenya starting next month, ending complimentary access for users who have enjoyed it since 2021. Subscribers were informed via email that their memberships will be automatically canceled when the free plan ends on November 1, 2023.
To continue watching, users will need to upgrade to one of the paid plans, starting as low as Ksh200 ($1.35) per month.
Kenya’s Pioneering Free Netflix Plan Comes to an End
Netflix’s free plan in Kenya, introduced in September 2021, is coming to an end. This marked a pioneering move by the streaming service, making Kenya the first country worldwide to enjoy such a provision. The plan allowed users to access a limited selection of content without requiring a paid subscription. Now, as part of a strategic shift, Netflix aims to convert these free users into paying customers.
Netflix Cuts Subscription Prices in Response to Rising Competition
Netflix had previously reduced subscription prices by an average of 37 percent for Kenyan subscribers as a response to increasing competition from other streaming platforms. This move, announced in February, aimed to attract new users and retain existing subscribers amidst growing rivalry in the streaming market.
Subscribers Urged to Upgrade as Netflix Discontinues Free Plan
Netflix subscribers in Kenya are urged to upgrade to one of the paid plans as the streaming service discontinues its free plan on November 1, 2023. The move is part of Netflix’s strategy to focus on converting free users into paying customers in a competitive market.