[rahimnathwani]

It seems that if you want your app to be available on the KaiOS app store, your app must have ads, and must use KaiOS' platform for those ads:

"Currently, we are prioritizing apps for QA that use KaiAds for monetization. Visit the KaiAds website to learn more.

After you have integrated KaiAds, go through this checklist."

[hajile]

They can't really sell the OS, so that makes sense for everyone as devs can offer the app for free too.

I wonder if there's a way to pay to opt out of their ads though...