Why Does It Cost More to Call Rome Than Board a Tuk-Tuk to Town ?

The curious economics of international calling in Kenya, 2024 Data From Communication Authority of Kenya Complied in the 2025 Economic Survey.

“Hello, can you hear me?” might be a universal phrase. But in Kenya, where you’re calling matters a great deal—especially to your wallet.

In the age of WhatsApp, Telegram, and Wi-Fi calls, it might seem archaic—quaint, even—to think people still make traditional mobile calls across borders. Yet for many Kenyans, especially those with relatives in regions with patchy internet or without smartphones, international voice calls remain a lifeline. That lifeline, however, comes at vastly different costs depending on where you're calling.

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Which countries are draining your airtime fastest?

Topping the list in 2024 for the most expensive countries to call from Kenya using a mobile phone are not conflict zones or obscure island states, but rather some of the most developed and interconnected economies in the world.

1. Italy – KSh 83.30 per minute Yes, la dolce vita comes at a steep price. A single minute to Rome costs more than a full boda boda ride in Nairobi. Why? High termination rates set by Italian telecoms—fees that Kenyan networks must pay to deliver the call—are a key culprit.

2. Switzerland – KSh 76.70 per minute Precision, order, and steep charges. While Swiss watches are known for their accuracy, Swiss calls are known in Kenya for their bite. It’s more expensive to say “Grüezi” than to enjoy a meal at a local "Kibanda".

3. Burundi – KSh 71.70 per minute You’d think proximity might translate to affordability. Not so. Burundi’s telecom infrastructure is fragile, and cross-border regulatory inefficiencies bump up costs.

4. Somalia – KSh 66.70 per minute Years of instability have left Somalia’s telecom sector in a fragmented state. Calls there often route through third countries, compounding the cost.

5. Germany – KSh 41.70 per minute A surprise for many. As Europe’s economic powerhouse, you might expect Germany to be better connected. But high interconnect fees and regulatory frameworks inflate prices.

   
   

Who’s offering a bargain connection?

At the other end of the dial, some countries appear to have taken a far more enlightened view of global calling. Here are the five cheapest destinations to call from Kenya using a mobile phone in 2024:

1. United States – KSh 5.30 per minute Uncle Sam may not be everyone’s favorite relative at the moment, but calling him is a bargain. Competitive American telecoms, combined with low termination fees, make calling across the Atlantic cheaper.

2. India – KSh 7.30 per minute Thanks to India’s deregulated telecom sector and massive diaspora, cross-border connectivity is cheap and effective. With family ties running deep between the two nations, this is a welcome relief.

3. China – KSh 8.70 per minute Trade may be booming, and so are connections. While China's tech is modern, the government's control over infrastructure ironically helps stabilise and lower cross-border calling rates.

4. Uganda – KSh 12.30 per minute Kenya’s western neighbor enjoys robust telecom integration under the East African Community. This regional collaboration helps keep prices relatively low.

5. South Sudan – KSh 13.30 per minute Another surprise. Despite ongoing challenges, South Sudan's call rates are more affordable than many would expect, likely due to coordinated regional frameworks and low demand keeping prices in check.

   
   

So, what explains the disparity?

In short: policy, infrastructure, and profit motives. While some countries have liberalized their telecom markets, encouraging competition and price drops, others have maintained monopolistic or protectionist structures. High interconnect fees—essentially taxes that local carriers pay to foreign networks—are often the villain behind the inflated prices.

Even more perplexing is the price paradox with neighbouring countries. Why should calling Burundi cost more than a call to Boston? It’s a matter of bilateral telecom agreements (or lack thereof) and the whims of regulatory authorities.

Should you ditch traditional calls altogether?

Not necessarily. Internet-based calling apps are a lifeline—but they depend on both parties having good data access and smartphones. For many Kenyans trying to reach aging relatives abroad or rural contacts, a mobile call is still the only viable option. That’s why understanding these costs matters.

A final thought…

In a world increasingly defined by seamless digital communication, the humble international call still carries a surprising weight—and price tag. As Kenyans continue to crisscross the globe for work, study, and family, the economics of calling home (or abroad) are more relevant than ever.

Just remember, next time you dial that Italian cousin—perhaps keep it brief.