Netflix is set to discontinue its free plan in Kenya starting from next month, which will impact thousands of subscribers who have enjoyed complimentary access since 2021.
In a message to users on Tuesday, Netflix informed its subscribers that the free service would be deactivated, leading to the automatic cancellation of their memberships. Subscribers will now be required to upgrade to one of the paid plans.
The email sent to subscribers stated, “On November 1, 2023, the Free Plan will no longer be available, and your membership will end. If you want to cancel, no action is required. Your membership will be automatically canceled when the free plan ends. If you want to keep watching, upgrade to one of our paid plans, starting from as low as Sh200 per month. This will grant you access to all shows and movies, additional features, and the option to watch on your phone, TV, or laptop.”
The free plan, initially launched in Kenya in September 2021, was a groundbreaking move by Netflix, making Kenya the first country worldwide to enjoy such a provision.
This plan allowed users to access a limited selection of content without the need for a paid subscription, as Netflix aimed to tap into the growing streaming market and introduce potential customers to its extensive library of movies and TV shows.
This discontinuation represents a strategic shift for Netflix, as it focuses on converting these free users into paying customers. It comes shortly after Netflix announced a 37 percent average reduction in subscription prices for its Kenyan subscribers earlier this year. This move was aimed at attracting new users and retaining existing subscribers.
