Nairobi, Feb. 1 -- Google's Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging no longer works for Kenyans using Android mobile phones across all three of the country's major mobile networks, effectively reverting users to paid Short Message Service (SMS) and other online messaging alternatives.

RCS is enabled through Google Messages, the default messaging app on most Android phones. The feature allows users to send texts over mobile data or Wi-Fi, similar to internet-based platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

It is modelled to be Android's equivalent of Apple's iMessage, and when active, the feature supports high-resolution photo and video sharing, typing indicators, read receipts and longer messages without character limits.

But in rece...