According to data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), Starlink has amassed over 8,000 subscribers. As of June 30, 2024, Starlink held a 0.5% market share in the country.
The satellite internet provider’s rapid expansion is notable in Kenya’s competitive ISP market, where new entrants often take years to build a significant customer base. Starlink’s success is largely attributed to its accessibility in underserved areas, offering internet where traditional fiber connections have yet to reach.
While its current subscriber base is small compared to industry leaders like Safaricom (545,000 subscribers) and Jamii Telecommunications (360,000), Starlink’s satellite-based model allows it to bypass the costly ground infrastructure required by fiber providers.
This has enabled the company to offer competitive pricing, with plans starting at KES 1,300 (US$10) for up to 200 Mbps and a residential plan priced at KES 4,000 (US$31) for speeds up to 100 Mbps—underpricing many traditional ISPs.
As expected, Starlink’s rapid rise has prompted competitive responses, with rivals like Safaricom seeking regulatory measures to limit independent satellite operators.
Despite this, Safaricom doesn’t appear to be totally against embracing new connectivity technology, as it has expressed openness to potential partnerships with Starlink, which the latter could utilize to enhance distribution through the former’s extensive logistical network.
