Why Starlink's Uptake in Kenya Has Slowed Down

The number of new Starlink users in Kenya has dropped significantly. A report from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) shows that Starlink's growth slowed by 72.9% between October and December 2024.

During this period, only 2,360 new users joined Starlink, compared to 8,723 new subscribers in the previous quarter (July-September 2024). This drop came just months after Starlink had doubled its market share in Kenya.

Why is Starlink Slowing Down?

The main reason for the slowdown is network overload. In November 2024, Starlink announced that it had reached its capacity limit in Nairobi and nearby counties (Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu, and Murang’a). Because of this, the company stopped taking new customers in these areas until they could expand their network.

According to Starlink, “Too many users are trying to access the service in Nairobi, and there isn’t enough bandwidth to support more customers.” The company also paused its roaming plans in Kenya until the issue is fixed.

Is Starlink Still Growing?

Despite the slowdown, satellite internet use in Kenya has grown by 74.9%. The total number of satellite internet users increased by 13.9%, reaching 19,403 subscribers by December 2024.

Starlink now holds 1.1% of the fixed internet market, up from 0.5% in June 2024. However, its market share is still small compared to competitors like:

• Safaricom – 36.1%

• Jamii Telecom – 23.6%

• Wananchi Group – 15.4%

  
  

How Much Does Starlink Cost in Kenya?

Starlink launched in Kenya in July 2023, charging:

• Ksh 89,000 for the satellite kit

• Ksh 6,500 per month for internet

  
  

However, prices have dropped since then:

• The satellite kit now costs Ksh 45,500

• Monthly plans start from Ksh 1,300 for home use

  
  

Kenya's Internet Market Is Expanding

Although Starlink's growth has slowed, internet demand in Kenya is rising. The CA report shows that mobile and internet usage increased in the last quarter of 2024, especially during the festive season.

• Mobile data subscriptions grew by 3.2%, reaching 56.1 million

• Smartphone usage hit 80.5%

• Mobile broadband coverage reached 97% of the population

  
  

What’s Next for Starlink in Kenya?

Starlink says it is working to increase network capacity so that it can accept new customers in Nairobi and other affected areas. Once this happens, more users will be able to sign up for Starlink again.

For now, customers in areas outside Nairobi can still purchase and use Starlink without restrictions.