01/10/2026
🚨WHATSAPP BUSINESS PRICING UPDATE — EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2026
If your business uses the WhatsApp Business Platform/API, there’s an important pricing change you need to know about.
Starting today, October 1, 2026, Meta has introduced changes to how certain WhatsApp Business messages are charged.
💬 What’s changing?
1. Service messages are no longer entirely free
Previously, businesses could respond to customers within the 24-hour customer service window without a message charge. Under the new pricing structure, service messages can become chargeable after the applicable free monthly allowance is exhausted.
2. A monthly free allowance applies
Businesses receive 1,000 free service messages per phone number each month. Once this allowance is exhausted, additional service messages are charged according to the applicable market rate.
3. Utility templates inside the 24-hour window
Utility template messages sent while a customer-service window is open are also affected by the new pricing structure and do not fall under the 1,000-message service allowance.
What does this mean for Kenyan businesses?
Reported Kenya rates are approximately:
🔹 Service messages: around KES 0.52 per delivered message after the free allowance
🔹 Marketing messages: around KES 3.20–3.30 per delivered message
Actual charges may vary based on Meta’s applicable rate card and message category, so always check your account for the current rates.
⚠️ Important: These changes apply to businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform/API, not regular WhatsApp users or businesses using the standalone WhatsApp Business mobile app.
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