Netflix on Tuesday announced the end of free mobile phones for its users in Kenya.
Through a statement, the company said the free plan will no longer be available from November 1, 2023.
"No action will be required, your membership will be automatically canceled when the free plan ends," part of the statement read.
Further, Netflix encouraged its subscribers to upgrade to a plan that costs at least Sh200 per month.
"You can unlock all shows and movies, including more features, and the option to watch on your phone."
The company had in 2021 enticed its subscribers by introducing a free smartphone plan, which encouraged them to watch its TV shows and movies in Kenya.
The strategy was aimed at sparking growth in an African market
"The free plan is available on Android mobile phones and will not have ads. It features Netflix movies and TV shows such as dramas 'Money Heist' and 'Bridgerton' and African series 'Blood & Water',' Netflix said at the time.
It further hoped the free plan would lead to users signing up for a paid option with more content.
In the free plans, the shows that were not included in the package were marked with a lock icon.
Additionally, users on the free plan were not able to download a show or movie, as compared with others who had upgraded.
This is not the first time Netflix has been experimenting with free offers for its customers.
In 2020, it made some episodes of series such as 'To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' and 'Stranger Things' available around the world for no charge via web browsers.
In May the company also announced new measures in password sharing among members. It noted it had become notorious, and it is against its terms of service.
"Starting today, we will be sending an email to members who are sharing Netflix outside their household. A Netflix account is for use by one household," the company said in a statement.
"Everyone living in that household can use Netflix wherever they are at home, on the go, on holiday and take advantage of new features like Transfer Profile and Manage Access and Devices."
