Grace Ashiru
One year after its launch in Kenya, Starlink has positioned itself as the country’s tenth-largest internet service provider (ISP). The company has attracted more than 8,000 subscribers, as reported by Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA).
“Starlink Internet Services Kenya, which was licensed earlier in the financial year to provide satellite Internet services, held a market share of 0.5 percent as of June 30, 2024,” stated the CA.
Starlink’s growth is among the fastest for any ISP in Kenya, fueled by high public interest in its availability, particularly in underserved regions. In a competitive market where new ISPs often take years to gain momentum, Starlink’s swift rise highlights a demand for internet access among customers previously neglected by established providers.
While Starlink’s subscriber base may appear modest compared to market giants like Safaricom and Jamii Telecommunications, which boast 545,000 and 360,000 subscribers respectively, the potential for Starlink’s growth is significant.
Unlike its fiber-optic competitors, Starlink’s satellite-based internet service doesn’t rely on extensive ground infrastructure. Whereas other providers incorporate the cost of infrastructure investments into their pricing models, Starlink leverages a network of over 6,000 satellites built by its parent company, SpaceX. This enables Starlink to offer competitive pricing without the burden of heavy infrastructure expenses.
Its most affordable plan begins at KES 1,300 ($10) for speeds reaching up to 200 Mbps. For those needing more, there’s a residential package priced at KES 4,000 ($31), offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps, which comes at a lower cost than comparable plans from other ISPs.
Starlink’s advantage has placed it in a tricky position within the Kenyan market. Competitors such as Safaricom have urged regulators to impose stricter entry conditions for independent satellite providers. In response, Safaricom boosted its fiber speeds to retain customers who might be tempted to switch to Starlink, while other rivals have rolled out discounts to stay competitive.
Despite the stiff competition, Safaricom has expressed openness to collaborating with companies like Starlink. While the specifics remain unclear, such a partnership could allow Starlink to leverage Safaricom’s extensive logistical network for distribution.
