Safaricom PLC has announced plans to roll out tokenised Wi-Fi and prepaid fibre internet services in the second half of its 2026 financial year, allowing customers to pay for internet access on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis instead of committing to traditional full month subscription plans. The company says the move is aimed at expanding internet access and affordability across Kenya by offering flexible pricing models similar to mobile data bundles.
Safaricom’s financial year runs from October to March, meaning the rollout is expected between October 2025 and March 2026. The plans form part of a broader strategy to grow the fixed broadband market, which company executives say remains underserved despite rising demand for reliable home and business connectivity.
Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa has said that fixed broadband represents one of the largest growth opportunities in Kenya’s digital economy. “Today, the market is only serving about 1.2 million users, so there is still another three million to be served,” Ndegwa said in 2025, adding that the sector could grow by up to 50 percent annually over the next five years without exhausting demand.
Under the new service model, customers will be able to buy internet access in time based bundles. Instead of paying fixed monthly fees, users can purchase access for short periods such as a day or a week. This gives flexibility to households, students, and small businesses that may not require constant internet access or cannot afford long term contracts.
The tokenised Wi-Fi service will allow users to pay using digital tokens that grant access to specific time slots for connectivity. Prepaid fibre will enable customers to use fibre broadband services without committing to full month plans. Safaricom says this approach is designed to lower entry barriers and attract new users, especially in lower income areas and regions where fixed internet uptake has been slow.
Safaricom’s fixed broadband segment currently serves over 400,000 customers, but the potential market is estimated at about four million. By introducing flexible pricing and token based access, the company hopes to reach more households and businesses that have remained offline due to cost or contract limitations.
Industry observers note that flexible internet pricing is particularly important in a market where many households rely on irregular income. Short term payment options can make connectivity more affordable and reduce the risk of service interruptions due to missed monthly payments.
The new services are also expected to compete with informal Wi-Fi vendors and low cost internet providers that serve budget conscious users in urban and semi urban areas. By offering prepaid options through a major telecom network, Safaricom aims to provide a more reliable alternative with wider coverage and better service quality.
In January 2026, Safaricom appointed Sylvia Anampiu as Director of Fixed Business to lead the expansion of its fixed broadband strategy. Her role includes growing subscriber numbers, expanding network coverage, and overseeing the rollout of new services such as tokenised Wi-Fi and prepaid fibre.
The telco’s leadership has emphasised that the flexible pricing model is aimed at stimulating broadband adoption while managing the cost to serve customers in diverse economic conditions.
