SpaceX’s Starlink satellite Internet service has now become available in Kenya, according to an announcement made by Elon Musk, CEO of the US-based space exploration company. The service, which was initially unveiled in January 2023 with pre-orders open to Kenyan residents, has now transitioned into its operational phase.
Customers in Kenya interested in accessing Starlink will need to pay a total of KSh 92,100 ($650), which includes a non-refundable KSh 99 booking fee, KSh 3100 ($22) for shipping and installation, and KSh 89,000 ($628) for the Starlink kit comprising the dish, mounting stand, cables, and a power source.

Additionally, there is a monthly subscription fee of KSh 6500 ($46), which has raised concerns about its affordability compared to traditional fiber-powered broadband connections offered by local providers such as Safaricom and Zuku, which charge considerably less.
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The pricing structure may pose challenges for budget-conscious customers, particularly those residing in rural areas and relying on inexpensive data bundles and free public Wi-Fi hotspots. A significant portion of the Kenyan population, over 8.9 million people, live in extreme poverty, and more than 7.8 million reside in rural areas on less than $1.90 daily.

To bring Starlink to various sectors in rural Kenya, Internet connectivity solutions provider, Karibu Connect, has been appointed as the first authorized Starlink reseller in the country. The collaboration aims to advance the company’s mission of providing high-quality and reasonably priced internet access across Kenya.
However, specific pricing details from Karibu Connect are yet to be disclosed. Nonetheless, Starlink’s entry into Kenya marks its expansion into the sixth African country, following Nigeria, Mozambique, Rwanda, Mauritius, and Sierra Leone.
Safaricom has also taken steps to challenge Starlink’s dominance in the Kenyan market by partnering with AST SpaceMobile to launch its satellite Internet service, setting the stage for increased competition in the space connectivity sector.