Fewer messages per conversation
Conversations designed to resolve in fewer messages.
WhatsApp Business Platform
WhatsApp Business Platform for East African contact centres
Zerxis integrates the WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API) with the contact-centre and voice infrastructure we operate, and helps you design messaging that works under Meta's per-message pricing.
Zerxis is a Meta Tech Provider providing WhatsApp Business Platform integration.
Effective 1 October 2026
Meta now charges for most messages a business sends on WhatsApp
For a busy support or collections desk, the number of messages each conversation takes now drives the bill.
- Free-form replies to customers, called service messages, are free for the first 1,000 delivered per business phone number each month. After that, each one is charged.
- Utility templates, such as payment confirmations, are charged even when sent inside the 24-hour customer service window.
- Marketing and authentication templates are charged as before.
What Meta charges for Kenyan numbers
Meta's list rates per delivered message to +254 numbers, as at 3 October 2026.
Service: free-form reply in the 24-hour window
USD 0.0040
about KES 0.52
After 1,000 free per business phone number per month
Utility template
USD 0.0040 list, lower at volume
about KES 0.52
Every delivered message, including inside the 24-hour window
Authentication template
USD 0.0040 list, lower at volume
about KES 0.52
Every delivered message
Marketing template
USD 0.0225
about KES 2.92
Every delivered message
Meta Business Agent reply
USD 2.00 per 1M tokens
about KES 260 per 1M tokens
Per token, one charge per message
| Message type | When Meta charges | Rate (USD) | Approx. KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service: free-form reply in the 24-hour window | After 1,000 free per business phone number per month | 0.0040 | 0.52 |
| Utility template | Every delivered message, including inside the 24-hour window | 0.0040 list, lower at volume | 0.52 |
| Authentication template | Every delivered message | 0.0040 list, lower at volume | 0.52 |
| Marketing template | Every delivered message | 0.0225 | 2.92 |
| Meta Business Agent reply | Per token, one charge per message | 2.00 per 1M tokens | 260 per 1M tokens |
- Meta charges per delivered message, by message category and the recipient's country. Kenya is in Meta's 'Rest of Africa' pricing region.
- The 1,000-message monthly allowance applies to service messages only, per business phone number. After it, service messages are charged at the utility rate.
- Utility, authentication and marketing templates are always charged. Marketing costs the most.
- Messages your customers send you are not charged.
- Meta bills these charges directly to your WhatsApp Business Account. Zerxis fees for platform, integration and support are separate.
- KES amounts are approximate, at KES 129.76 per USD on 2 October 2026.
- Rates as at 3 October 2026. Meta can change its rates, and Meta's current rate card takes precedence.
What a month could cost
Meta's charges only. Zerxis fees are separate.
Worked example
One business phone number, one month, all customers on +254 numbers, no free entry points.
- 3,000 service replies: 1,000 free, then 2,000 × USD 0.0040 = USD 8.00
- 500 utility templates: 500 × USD 0.0040 = USD 2.00
- 200 marketing templates: 200 × USD 0.0225 = USD 4.50
Meta chargesUSD 14.50about KES 1,882
Zerxis fees are separate. Volume tiers can lower utility and authentication rates.
Estimate your month
Messages per month from one business phone number to Kenyan customers.
| Type | Billable | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Service replies | 0 × 0.0040 | 0.00 |
| Utility templates | 0 × 0.0040 | 0.00 |
| Authentication templates | 0 × 0.0040 | 0.00 |
| Marketing templates | 0 × 0.0225 | 0.00 |
Meta charges, estimatedUSD 0.00about KES 0
Estimate of Meta's charges at list rates for one business phone number. Excludes Zerxis fees, volume tiers and free entry points. Meta bills you directly.
How we help you control the cost
The right template category
Each template in the right category, so you pay the right rate.
Free entry points
Conversations that start from Click-to-WhatsApp ads or your Facebook Page button open a free messaging window.
Who bills what
Meta bills WhatsApp message charges directly to your WhatsApp Business Account, using the payment method on that account. You complete Meta business verification in your own registered company name. Zerxis invoices separately for platform access, integration and support, as set out in your order form.
Data and your responsibilities
WhatsApp messages are delivered through Meta's Cloud API and processed on Meta's infrastructure under Meta's terms. Data that Zerxis stores, such as conversation records in your contact-centre platform, is hosted as set out in your data processing agreement.
You remain responsible for getting customers' opt-in before sending business-initiated messages, for your privacy notices, and for your lawful basis under the Kenya Data Protection Act 2019. Zerxis is an ODPC Registered Data Controller (No. 00114/1) and operates its services in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.
WhatsApp questions
If your question is not answered here, call or email us directly.
Ready to talk infrastructure?
Whether you need a replacement contact centre platform, SIP trunking, or an AI voice integration, speak to an engineer directly. We respond within one business day.
Kenya (HQ)
Email and Web
Postal Address
P.O. Box 777-00200
Nairobi, Kenya
Zerxis Limited is independent of Meta. WhatsApp is a trademark of Meta Platforms, Inc.