Kenya’s Satellite Internet Soars as Starlink Drives Expansion Beyond Fibre

Starlink  is steadily carving out a niche in Kenya’s competitive internet market, emerging as one of the country’s top ten internet service providers. The latest sector statistics from the Communications Authority  show that Starlink Internet Services Kenya recorded 17,425 fixed internet subscriptions by June 2025, translating to 0.8% market share

While this figure may appear modest compared to heavyweights like Safaricom  and Jamii Telecommunications , Starlink’s rise is significant for one reason: it is almost solely responsible for the surge in satellite internet adoption. Over the past year, satellite subscriptions in Kenya jumped by 115.5%, reaching 17,939 users, a growth almost entirely driven by Starlink’s entry.

The company’s low-earth orbit satellite technology is proving especially valuable in rural and remote regions, where fibre and terrestrial wireless networks remain patchy. By bypassing traditional infrastructure constraints, Starlink delivers high-speed internet directly to households and businesses, offering a lifeline for communities often left behind in Kenya’s digital revolution.

Industry watchers say this development could reshape competition in the sector. With fixed internet subscriptions overall climbing 42.9% year-on-year to 2.14 million, Starlink’s presence is both expanding access and pushing incumbents to reimagine how they reach underserved areas.

For Kenya, where reliable internet is vital for everything from mobile money and e-commerce to education and e-government services, Starlink’s entry represents more than a new provider — it marks a shift in how connectivity gaps can be closed.

The challenge ahead will be affordability. If Starlink can balance its premium technology with competitive pricing, it could move beyond a niche solution and play a central role in bridging Kenya’s digital divide.