Satellite internet in Kenya has surged over the past year, with subscriptions jumping 115.5% to reach 17,939 users, a growth almost entirely driven by Starlink’s entry into the market.
Starlink Internet Services Kenya has quickly become one of the country’s top ten internet service providers. By June 2025, it recorded 17,425 fixed internet subscriptions, representing a 0.8% market share. While this may seem modest compared to major providers like Safaricom and Jamii Telecommunications, Starlink’s impact is significant because it accounts for nearly all of the recent growth in satellite adoption.
The company’s low-earth orbit satellite technology is particularly beneficial in rural and remote regions where fibre and terrestrial wireless networks remain limited. By bypassing traditional infrastructure constraints, Starlink provides high-speed internet directly to homes and businesses, helping communities often left behind in Kenya’s digital transformation.
Industry analysts note that this trend could reshape competition in the sector. Overall, fixed internet subscriptions in Kenya rose 42.9% year-on-year to 2.14 million. Starlink’s presence is expanding access while encouraging incumbents to rethink strategies for serving underserved areas.
For Kenya, reliable internet is crucial for mobile money, e-commerce, education and e-government services. Starlink’s entry signals more than a new provider — it demonstrates a new way to bridge connectivity gaps. The key challenge ahead will be affordability; balancing premium technology with competitive pricing could allow Starlink to move from a niche solution to a central player in closing Kenya’s digital divide.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
