Lobby group, Kituo cha Sheria has filed a lawsuit against Safaricom, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), and the Competition Authority of Kenya, seeking to ensure that SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service can enter the Kenyan market freely. The suit argues that blocking Starlink would deny Kenyans access to more affordable, faster internet.
The legal action follows Safaricom’s request to the CA to mandate that SpaceX partner with local internet providers as it rolls out its services in Kenya. Kituo cha Sheria, led by Dr. Annette Mbogoh, contends that Safaricom’s move is motivated by concerns over Starlink’s competitive pricing and its potential to disrupt the local market.
According to Kituo cha Sheria, Safaricom currently charges around KES 6,000 for internet service, while Starlink offers 50GB for approximately KES 1,800, making it a significantly cheaper option for consumers.
In a hearing before High Court Judge Chacha Mwita, the lobby group’s legal representatives—Marc Chirchir, Ahmed Sigat, Abdul Maalim, and Nelius Njuguna—argued that limiting Starlink’s entry would force Kenyans to continue using slower, more expensive internet services. The group claims that Safaricom’s dominance in the market has led to inflated prices, and introducing a competitor like Starlink would bring necessary relief to consumers.
Kituo cha Sheria is seeking a declaration that Safaricom’s request is unconstitutional and in violation of consumers’ socio-economic rights, including access to affordable internet. The group also requests a permanent injunction preventing the CA from taking any actions that could limit Starlink’s operation in Kenya.
The lawsuit emphasizes the growing importance of affordable, reliable internet access, especially as new technology like Starlink becomes a viable option for underserved regions.
