Grace Ashiru
Less than a year since its introduction in Kenya in July 2023, Starlink’s user base has seen a dramatic increase, with the number of subscribers growing more than tenfold.
This rapid adoption rate of the Elon Musk-owned internet service is evident from the statistics: just three months prior to Starlink’s launch, the country had only 405 satellite internet users. This figure rose to 1,354 just two months following the launch and surged to 4,808 by March 2024, according to data from the Communications Authority (CA) of Kenya.
The high speeds offered by Starlink, exceeding 100 megabits per second (Mbps), have spurred this spike in satellite internet usage. Customers who are outside the reach of conventional broadband providers like Safaricom and Telkom Kenya find satellite internet especially appealing. This includes niche corporate clients who require more than what standard fiber or fixed broadband can offer, as well as residents in remote or “upcountry” areas that lack traditional infrastructure.
“The report highlighted that the introduction of Starlink’s internet services significantly boosted broadband adoption in the country. With the continued introduction of new technologies and services, the sector is poised for further growth,” the report noted.
Recent data indicates a major shift in satellite internet usage patterns in Kenya. Now, over 93% of users subscribe to high-speed internet plans, with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps—speeds exclusively offered by Starlink. This marks a notable shift from earlier preferences, though the majority of broadband customers still opt for local providers offering slower speeds.
Starlink has gained traction quickly by catering to customers who have been dissatisfied with the services from traditional providers that typically focus on urban areas. The company has committed to delivering broadband services to areas beyond the reach of these established providers, carving out a niche in this market.
As the latest major satellite service provider in Kenya, Starlink joins other companies like Skynet and NTvsat. Safaricom, the largest telecommunications provider in Kenya, announced its intention to launch a satellite service a year ago but has yet to do so.
