Spotify remains a significant music streaming provider in a world where streaming services are essential to daily enjoyment. 

Spotify has raised Premium prices in various countries, including Kenya, to meet market needs. Nairobi users discuss the service’s worth and how the new fee compares.

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Updated Spotify premium rates for Kenya

Spotify Premium now costs more in Kenya. Given the vast music catalogue, ad-free listening, and offline playback, many customers saw KES 299 monthly as a fair price. The new changes raise the individual plan price to KES 349 per month. It may appear trivial, but this 16% rise may affect long-time users who enjoyed the service at the former rate.

The Family Plan now costs KES 529 a month for customers with up to six accounts, up from KES 479. The Duo Plan for two persons increased from KES 389 to KES 429. 

Also, the Student Plan for recognised university students has increased from KES 149 to KES 169—Spotify’s first significant price modification in Kenya since its 2021 launch.

Why did Spotify increase its subscription prices?

Spotify has raised prices to “continue bringing new content and features” to the platform. The business says the price hike will fund its spending on exclusive podcasts, better playlists, and AI-powered personalised features. Like all streaming services, Spotify is experiencing growing music label and content producer license expenses.

Spotify and other digital service providers have adjusted prices due to inflation and currency fluctuations. Spotify wants a sustainable plan to build its user base and improve its products by aligning its Kenyan costs with global standards.

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Exploring Spotify premium’s affordability in Kenya

Despite the price hike, Spotify Premium in Kenya is cheaper than in other countries. The individual plan costs USD 10.99 per month (KES 1,610) in the US and GBP 10.99 (KES 2,040) in the UK. Kenyan users pay far less for the same products and services, even with the new pricing.

However, not all Kenyans will instantly accept the price increase. Due to its competitive pricing, some customers may consider switching to Spotify’s free edition, which permits music streaming but has advertisements and fewer Premium features.

Kenyan Spotify users have expressed mixed reactions to a price increase for Premium, with some acknowledging the need for the adjustment but others concerned about affordability. The platform faces competition from Apple Music and Boomplay, who offer free and paid plans. While the price hike may seem steep to some, Spotify’s continued investment in features and content might justify the cost for regular users. Balancing affordability with innovation is crucial for Spotify to maintain its loyal user base in Kenya.