AI tools: what they cost in Kenya
The main AI assistants, what each is best at, and what the paid plans cost in Kenya shillings at today's exchange rate. All of them have a free plan, so try that first.
| Tool and plan | Best for | US price a month | In KES a month | In KES a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT Go |
Everyday writing and questions, lower cost | $8.00 | 1,039 | 12,468 |
| ChatGPT Plus |
Writing, research, images and analysis | $20.00 | 2,597 | 31,170 |
| Claude Pro |
Long documents, writing, analysis and coding | $20.00 | 2,597 | 31,170 |
| Google Gemini Google AI Plus |
Gemini in Google apps, lower cost | $4.99 | 648 | 7,777 |
| Google Gemini Google AI Pro |
Gemini in Gmail, Docs and Drive, plus storage | $19.99 | 2,596 | 31,154 |
| Microsoft Copilot Microsoft 365 Premium |
Copilot inside Word, Excel and Outlook | $19.99 | 2,596 | 31,154 |
| Perplexity Pro |
Research answers with sources | $17.00 | 2,208 | 26,494 |
US list prices; some tools charge different prices by country or add tax. They bill in US dollars by card, and your bank may add a foreign transaction fee of a few percent. Converted at KES 129.87 to the dollar.
Figures as of 13 October 2026 · Source: Official pricing pages, compiled by Coursiv and eWeek (October 2026)
Getting value from AI at work
- Start free. Every tool above has a free plan that is enough to learn what it can do for you.
- Pick one paid plan, not three. They overlap heavily; pay for the one that fits how you work, such as Microsoft 365 if you live in Word and Excel, or Google AI if you use Gmail and Docs.
- Check the facts. AI assistants can be confidently wrong. Verify figures, laws and prices before you rely on them.
- Watch for scams. No AI tool can guarantee investment returns. Treat "AI trading bots" that promise profits as fraud.
Common questions
Can I pay for AI tools with M-Pesa?
Most AI tools bill by card in US dollars. You can use a bank card or a virtual card linked to M-Pesa; check the fees your provider charges for dollar payments.
Which AI tool is best?
They overlap a lot. Pick the one that fits the apps you already use, and try the free plan first.