Starlink Ranks 9th in Kenya's Top 10 WiFi Providers by Market Share

Kenya's Telecommunications Sector Experiences Strong Growth in 2024/25

Kenya’s telecommunications sector has shown impressive growth during the 2024/25 financial year, driven by a combination of expanding infrastructure and increased adoption of digital services. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) reported that this progress is largely attributed to the expansion of telecom networks and the widespread use of smartphones across the country.

Increased Adoption of Internet Services

The role of the internet in social interaction and e-commerce has significantly contributed to its growing popularity in Kenya. According to the CA, the internet has become a vital tool for bridging gaps between different regions and socio-economic groups. It supports e-commerce, facilitates access to e-government services, and empowers youth and marginalized communities.

Mobile SIM subscriptions reached 76.7 million, which equates to an adoption rate of 146.3%. This indicates that many Kenyans own more than one SIM card, reflecting the high level of engagement with mobile services. Smartphone usage also saw a notable increase, reaching 83.5% of the population. These figures highlight the ongoing digital transformation taking place in the country.

Surge in Mobile Data Subscriptions

Mobile data subscriptions have experienced a significant rise, increasing to 58.5 million from 52.5 million a year earlier. This represents a 27.3% growth. Of these, 78.2% are on mobile broadband, underscoring the shift towards faster and more reliable internet connectivity.

Broadband Internet Providers in Kenya

While traditional providers continue to dominate the market, new entrants like Starlink have made their mark in the fixed broadband sector. However, despite its efforts in 2024, Starlink has struggled to maintain a strong position in the competitive landscape. As of June 30, 2025, Starlink ranked ninth among the top ten fixed internet service providers, with only 17,425 subscriptions and a market share of 0.8%.

This places Starlink behind several established companies. Safaricom PLC leads the market with a 34.3% share, followed by Jamii Telecommunications Limited at 20.6%, Wananchi Group at 12.7%, and Poa Internet at 12.5%. Ahadi Wireless emerged as a new player, securing fifth place with a 7.5% market share. Other notable providers include Vilcom Network with 4.1%.

Here is a breakdown of the top broadband internet providers in Kenya:

| Internet Provider | Subscribers | Market Share (%) | |-------------------------------------|---------------|------------------| | Safaricom PLC | 735,749 | 34.3 | | Jamii Telecommunications Ltd | 442,076 | 20.6 | | Wananchi Group (Kenya) Limited* | 271,822 | 12.7 | | Poa Internet Kenya Ltd | 268,554 | 12.5 | | Ahadi Wireless Limited | 160,254 | 7.5 | | Vilcom Network Limited | 87,654 | 4.1 | | Mawingu Networks Ltd | 76,650 | 3.6 | | Dimension Data Solutions East Africa Limited | 19,388 | 0.9 | | Starlink Internet Services Kenya | 17,425 | 0.8 | | Liquid Telecommunications Kenya | 16,366 | 0.8 | | Others | 48,775 | 2.3 |

Continued Momentum in the Internet Market

Overall, Kenya’s internet market continues to show strong momentum, with mobile data remaining the primary driver of growth. As more Kenyans gain access to digital services, the country is well-positioned to benefit from further technological advancements and economic opportunities. The increasing reliance on mobile and broadband services suggests a future where digital connectivity plays an even more central role in daily life.