Starlink, Other Top Kenya Internet Service Providers that Grew Customer Share in 3 Months
TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, and climate reporting, which offers deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
American billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink internet has registered a significant increase in the Kenyan market.
Source: Getty Images
The Communications Authority (CA) of Kenya First Quarter Sector Statistics Report for the financial year 2024/2025 showed the satellite internet uptake in the country more than doubled to 16,786 subscriptions or 1.1% of the market share market share.
The SpaceX subsidiary jumped two points up in the top ten internet providers' table to position eight, from 10 last reported in Q4 of 2023/24.
CA attributed the increase in Starlink subscriptions to customer acquisition campaigns the company ran in August 2024.
"The total data/internet subscriptions rose by 4.9 to 1.57 million from 1.50 million recorded as of June 30, 2024. Satellite internet subscriptions recorded a significant increase of 104.7% during the reference period attributed to a customer acquisition campaign run by Starlink Internet Services Kenya that introduced an option to rent satellite equipment at a reduced cost," read the report in part.
According to the report, the leading telecommunications firm Safaricom PLC recorded the highest market share in fixed data subscriptions at 36.6%.
This was attributed to increased adoption of 4G and 5G networks which the telco enhanced during the period.
"The adoption of 4G and 5G technologies has continued to grow, mainly driven by the growing demand for high-speed internet for activities such as streaming, online learning, remote work, and e-commerce," the report continued in part
Safaricom was followed by Jamii Telecommunications Ltd which increased subscriptions to 24.2%, Wananchi Group (Kenya) Ltd (16.8%), and Poa Internet Kenya Ltd, with market shares of 12.6%.
Below is the full list of the top 10 internet providers in Kenya and the market share in quarter 1 of 2024/25:
| Service provider | Number of data subscription | Market share (%) |
| 1. Safaricom PLC | 575,835 | 36.6 |
| 2. Jamii Telecommunications Ltd | 384,616 | 24.4 |
| 3. Wananchi Group (Kenya) Ltd | 265,194 | 16.8 |
| 4. Poa Internet Kenya Ltd | 198,609 | 12.6 |
| 5. Mawingu Networks Ltd | 44,311 | 2.8 |
| 6. Vilcom Network Limited | 27,734 | 1.8 |
| 7. Dimension Data Solutions East Africa Ltd | 17,844 | 1.1 |
| 8. Starlink Internet Services Kenya | 16,786 | 1.1 |
| 9. Liquid Telecommunications Kenya | 15,851 | 1.0 |
| 10. Vijiji Connect Ltd | 9,816 | 0.6 |
| 11. Other Fixed Service Providers | 18,227 | 1.2 |
Source: CA, Operators’ Returns
Meanwhile, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced on X that Starlink’s groundbreaking Direct-to-Cell satellite service will begin beta testing, signalling a transformative shift in global mobile connectivity.
Direct-to-Cell technology will enable mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, allowing users to text, call, and browse the internet without the need for cell towers.
SpaceX has applied for special temporary authority to conduct experimental operations with Direct-to-Cell-equipped satellites.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
