Safaricom, in partnership with Huawei, has unveiled VybCall, Kenya’s first-ever Video Ring Back Tone (VRBT) service — a groundbreaking innovation that transforms the mobile calling experience. This new feature allows users to replace traditional ringtones with short, personalized video clips that play for callers as they wait for their calls to be answered. By launching this service, Kenya becomes the first country in Africa to introduce a video ringback experience, marking a major leap forward in digital creativity and communication technology.
VybCall is an evolution of Safaricom’s long-standing Skiza platform, which has been at the heart of caller entertainment for nearly two decades. The introduction of video content takes personalization to a new level, allowing customers to express themselves visually while enhancing the caller experience. The innovation reflects Safaricom’s commitment to reimagining everyday moments and empowering users through technology that blends creativity with connectivity.
According to Safaricom’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, James Maitai, the initiative underscores the company’s mission to expand customer choice and control in the digital space. “At Safaricom, we are constantly exploring new ways to give our customers choice and control through targeted experiences,” Maitai stated. He added that VybCall is one of the many ways Safaricom is creatively transforming daily interactions while reinforcing its commitment to continuous innovation and customer engagement.
Huawei Kenya’s CEO, Gavin Gao, emphasized that the partnership represents a major boost for Kenya’s creative economy. “VybCall will help the amazing creatives in Kenya, which is just one of the many ways that Huawei works with our partners to develop innovative technologies that improve customer experience and drive economic growth,” Gao remarked. The platform opens new opportunities for local content creators, enabling them to produce short video clips that can be monetized through the service, extending the legacy of Skiza into the visual era.
Currently compatible with Safaricom’s Neon range, select Samsung, OPPO, and Xiaomi Redmi A series handsets — with Vivo devices joining in 2026 — the service can be activated by dialing *860# or visiting vybcall.safaricom.com via the Safaricom App. Beyond entertainment, VybCall also offers businesses a creative edge by turning caller waiting time into a dynamic marketing opportunity. Through this innovation, Safaricom continues to cement its leadership in digital transformation and its role in shaping Kenya’s mobile ecosystem, from pioneering Skiza tones to ushering in Africa’s first video ringback revolution.
