Just two days after Safaricom announced significant upgrades to its home and business internet services, Starlink has officially launched its Starlink Mini service in Kenya, introducing new, affordable satellite internet packages.
The timing of this launch highlights the growing competition in Kenya’s internet market as major players vie for dominance.
Starlink Mini, designed to provide reliable internet access even in remote areas, is now available with a starter kit priced at KES 27,000. The service also offers a variety of plans to cater to different user needs. Its flagship plan is an unlimited package that provides up to 100 Mbps speeds for KES 4,000 per month, with slightly slower speeds during peak hours.
There are also alternative options, including a KES 1,300 plan with a 50GB data cap, and a full-speed unlimited plan for KES 6,500 per month.
This launch comes on the heels of Safaricom’s aggressive response to Starlink’s growing presence in Kenya. On Monday, Safaricom unveiled new speed tiers for its fibre internet packages, including a 1000Mbps Platinum plan—the first of its kind in the country—offered at KES 20,000 per month. The telecom giant has revamped its entire suite of fibre plans, doubling speeds and adding more value for existing customers without raising prices. This move is seen as a direct effort to safeguard its market position amid increased competition from Starlink’s satellite-based internet services.
The enhanced Safaricom plans now range from 15Mbps at KES 2,999 to the 500Mbps Diamond plan at KES 12,499, addressing the needs of heavy internet users who require ultra-fast connectivity for tasks like high-definition streaming, gaming, and content creation.
With Starlink’s launch and Safaricom’s response, Kenya’s internet landscape is rapidly evolving. Consumers are now benefitting from better internet options, with both satellite and fibre providers competing to offer faster speeds and more affordable plans. For users across Kenya, particularly in underserved rural areas, these developments signal a new era of internet access and connectivity.
As competition heats up, both Starlink and Safaricom are positioning themselves to meet the rising demand for fast, reliable internet, pushing the boundaries of Kenya’s digital transformation.
