Photo | courtesy.
Safaricom, in partnership with Huawei, has launched Kenya’s first Video Ring Back Tone (VRBT) service dubbed VybCall, marking a new era in mobile personalization and entertainment.
The innovation, modelled off the popular Skiza service introduced nearly two decades ago, allows customers to replace traditional caller tunes with short-form videos, offering a fresh twist to the caller waiting experience.
With VybCall, callers can now watch curated video clips as they wait for their calls to be answered a move that Safaricom says combines creativity, technology, and user experience. The service makes Kenya the first country in Africa to introduce VRBT technology, underscoring the telco’s leadership in digital innovation.
“At Safaricom, we are constantly exploring new ways to give our customers choice and control through targeted experiences,” said James Maitai, Safaricom’s Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO).
“The launch of Kenya’s first Video Ring Back Tone service is one way we are transforming daily moments creatively, buttressing our commitment to innovation,” he added.
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Currently, VybCall is available on Safaricom Neon devices, select Samsung and Oppo phones, and Xiaomi’s Redmi A series, with plans to extend support to Vivo devices by the second quarter of 2026. Customers can activate the service by dialing *860# on compatible devices or through the Safaricom App via vybcall.safaricom.com.
Huawei, Safaricom’s technology partner for the rollout, hailed the collaboration as a step toward empowering Kenya’s creative and digital 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,” said Gavin Gao, Huawei Kenya CEO.
Safaricom noted that the move aligns with changing global content consumption trends, particularly the rise of short-form video platforms. The VRBT feature will also open up monetization opportunities for creators and businesses, allowing brands to turn caller waiting time into a unique marketing moment.
Since its introduction almost 20 years ago, Skiza has become a household name in Kenya, enabling customers to share their favorite tunes with callers.
With VybCall, Safaricom says it is evolving that experience to meet the modern digital lifestyle, reinforcing its ongoing investment in enhancing customer engagement and expanding Kenya’s digital ecosystem.
