Safaricom has announced a 25% cut on new business fibre connection fees for the next two months, targeting enterprises in buildings already equipped for fibre. The move comes as satellite competitor Starlink sees a dip in its Kenyan subscriber numbers, and reflects Safaricom’s push to strengthen its fixed broadband dominance and deepen its reach among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The new pricing reduces the entry-level 15 Mbps package to KES 2,249 ($17.44) per month, down from KES 2,999. The premium 100 Mbps plan now goes for KES 4,724 ($36.62) instead of KES 6,299.
The new pricing reduces the entry-level 15 Mbps package to KES 2,249 ($17.44) per month, down from KES 2,999. The premium 100 Mbps plan now goes for KES 4,724 ($36.62) instead of KES 6,299.
Holding 36.5% of Kenya’s fixed-internet market and serving 678,118 customers, Safaricom is coupling this discount with fresh business credit solutions, aiming to secure loyalty in the SME segment—an arena where rivals like Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Jamii Telecom are also active.
Starlink’s local customer base dropped from around 19,000 in late 2024 to about 17,000 by March 2025, amid complaints of network congestion. The company has since installed ground stations near Nairobi to boost capacity. For Safaricom, the pricing shift is both a defensive play to retain current clients and an offensive move to win over new ones.
The relationship between the two providers remains complex. In May, Safaricom hinted at a potential satellite internet partnership shortly after Airtel Africa revealed similar plans, though no deal has been sealed. Previously, the telco urged regulators to review satellite service rules—a stance some interpreted as an effort to slow Starlink’s expansion.
Last year, Safaricom formally petitioned the Communications Authority for changes to satellite provider regulations, with some reading it as a push for stricter oversight.
In rural and peri-urban regions—areas where satellite services typically have more appeal—Safaricom has been selling 5G home routers for KES 3,000 ($23.26) and offering monthly plans starting at the same rate. Starlink’s Gen 3 kit, by contrast, is priced at up to KES 50,000 ($387.60) with unlimited data at KES 6,500 ($50.39) or a capped 50 GB plan for KES 1,300 ($10.08). For many households and small businesses in price-sensitive areas, Safaricom’s 5G packages remain the more budget-friendly option.