Starlink has introduced a new option in Kenya where people can now opt for a Starlink kit rental at a cost of just $15.15 (KES 1,950) per month. This is a significant development for those who can’t afford the full purchase price of a Starlink internet kit, which is currently $350 (KES 45,000). The company announced this rental option on Wednesday, making it easier for more Kenyans to access Starlink’s satellite internet service.
To begin using the service, customers who choose the Starlink kit rental will need to pay a one-time activation fee of $21. Once activated, they can choose between two internet plans. The first option is a 50GB plan priced at $10 (KES 1,300) per month, while the second option offers unlimited data for $50.50 (KES 6,500) per month. Both plans provide internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps, offering a fast and reliable connection compared to other services available in the country.
Since Starlink’s launch in Kenya in July 2023, its user base has rapidly expanded. The number of Starlink users has increased more than tenfold, indicating strong interest and demand for this new service. Before Starlink’s arrival, Kenya had only 405 satellite internet subscribers. However, within two months of Starlink’s entry into the market, that number surged to 1,354 and continued to grow, reaching over 4,808 users by March 2024, according to data from Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA).
Starlink’s entry into the Kenyan market has also prompted existing internet service providers (ISPs) to improve their offerings. For instance, Safaricom, which had over 522,000 fixed data subscriptions as of March 2024, has started offering 4G and 5G routers to attract customers in areas not covered by its fiber network. The company had also announced plans to launch its satellite service in 2023, though it has yet to be rolled out. Meanwhile, Jamii Telecoms, another significant ISP, has been expanding its fiber network to the outskirts of Nairobi to stay competitive.
Starlink’s popularity is largely driven by its ability to provide internet access to people in rural areas, where traditional ISPs often have limited coverage. This makes the Starlink kit rental an economical choice for those who need a reliable internet connection in regions where other providers fall short.
