Safaricom and Starlink to collaborate for Kenya’s internet market
Safaricom and Starlink are set to potentially join forces, offering satellite-internet equipment and data in Kenya’s hardest-to-reach areas.
Kenya’s telco giant Safaricom is actively exploring a partnership with Starlink (the satellite-internet provider owned by Elon Musk) to deliver internet data and equipment across the country.
While formal terms remain under negotiation, this collaboration has the potential to boost connectivity in remote regions and shake up how Kenya accesses broadband.
What the collaboration could look like and what it means
In recent statements, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa acknowledged the importance of satellite internet for areas where fibre and terrestrial networks fall short. He said Safaricom is “focused on delivering fixed broadband solutions through fibre, fixed wireless, satellite, and other evolving technologies.”
The proposed model involves Safaricom reselling Starlink equipment, satellite dishes and routers, bundled with data plans.
This arrangement would leverage Starlink’s low-earth-orbit (LEO) technology to reach rural zones, while Safaricom uses its established sales, payment (like M-Pesa) and customer support systems.
For Kenyans, this means:
- An option for high-speed internet even in hard-to-reach parts of counties
- Affordable equipment and data packages through local distribution
- Enhanced competition, which could drive down prices and improve service quality
Why this matters to Kenya, South Africans abroad and Africa at large
- For Kenya: Internet penetration has lagged in remote areas. Partnering with Starlink could close those gaps and connect schools, clinics, farms and micro-businesses.
- For South Africans abroad or East African residents: Improved regional connectivity means smoother communication, remote work and digital business across borders.
- For Africa broadly: A successful Kenya model could inspire similar telco-satellite tie-ups across the continent, driving digital inclusion and lowering costs.
Challenges and outlook
While promising, the collaboration faces hurdles: regulatory approvals for satellite ISPs, hardware costs for households and integration with existing networks. Safaricom has previously raised concerns that satellite providers might need to partner with local carriers to ensure investment and compliance.
Looking ahead, we predict:
- Launch of bundled data-plus-equipment offers in 2026
- Introduction of pay-as-you-go satellite kits that mirror mobile-data models
- Focus on “fibre-dark” counties as pilot regions
If Safaricom and Starlink formally sign, Kenya’s internet landscape could shift, and South Africans watching from nearby may find a faster, more connected region means better opportunities for work, travel and communication.