Kenya's satellite internet usage surges a decadefold in a single year, thanks to Starlink's influence
Starlink, Elon Musk's groundbreaking internet service, made its debut in Kenya in July 2023. Since its introduction, the company has significantly boosted broadband adoption in the East African nation.
Initially, the country had only 405 satellite internet users. By March 2024, that number had grown more than tenfold, with Starlink boasting 4,808 subscribers. This growth is a testament to the service's appeal, particularly among customers outside the reach of conventional broadband providers like Safaricom and Telkom Kenya.
Starlink's focus on delivering services to underserved areas has been a key factor in its success. The company caters to customers dissatisfied with traditional providers that often prioritise urban areas. This commitment to serving remote or "upcountry" regions has contributed to Starlink's growth in Kenya.
The service is also popular among niche corporate clients who require more than what standard fiber or fixed broadband can offer. Starlink's high-speed internet plans, which range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, have been exclusively offered in Kenya. Over 93% of Starlink subscribers now use these high-speed plans.
In Kenya, Starlink joins companies like Skynet and NTvsat in the satellite internet market. The newest major satellite service provider in the country, which has not yet launched any satellite services there, is Paratus Group, a Pan-African telecom company that operates as a licensed ISP and authorised Starlink reseller but has not initiated its own satellite service in Kenya.
Safaricom, the largest telecommunications provider in Kenya, announced its intention to launch a satellite service a year ago but has yet to do so. The sector of broadband services in Kenya is poised for further growth with the continued introduction of new technologies and services.
While the majority of broadband customers in Kenya still opt for local providers offering slower speeds, this trend is shifting towards high-speed plans. Starlink's focus on delivering high-speed internet to areas beyond the reach of established providers has carved out a niche in the market.
As Starlink continues to expand its services, the broadband landscape in Kenya is expected to undergo significant changes. The introduction of new technologies and services will undoubtedly reshape the way Kenyans access and consume internet, offering faster, more reliable connections to even the most remote regions.
