Netflix Offers Free Plan With A 1/4 Of Its Programming In Kenya To Entice New Subscribers

Netflix Inc has launched a free mobile plan in Kenya as part of its strategy to spark growth in the East African nation, home to over 20 million internet users.

The plan will be rolled out to all users in the country; it will be available on Android mobile phones and will not have any ads. 

Some shows will not be included in the free plan, and they will be marked with a lock icon. Clicking on one of those titles will encourage the user to sign up for a paid option, reported Reuters.

Anyone 18 or older in Kenya can enroll in the new initiative and create up to five profiles, and no payment information will be required.

However, some functions, such as downloading a show or movie, will not be available under the free plan.

 To attract customers in Africa, Netflix invests in locally made programming such as “Queen Sono” and “Jiva!” and has partnered with production studios in Nigeria.

This isn’t the first time Netflix has dipped its hand in trying to lure customers in developing markets. In 2018, the service reportedly tested a $3 mobile-only plan in India — before expanding it to users in several other countries.

A spokesperson for the tech giant told Reuters that the non-paying Netflix subscribers in Kenya would not be counted in the company’s paid total each quarter.

Cathy Conk, director of product innovation at Netflix, also added: “If you’ve never watched Netflix before — and many people in Kenya haven’t — this is a great way to experience our service.

“And if you like what you see, it’s easy to upgrade to one of our paid plans so you can enjoy our full catalog on your TV or laptop as well.”