Starlink Loses Its Shine In Kenya As Local Rivals Reclaim Their Lead

Starlink, the satellite internet service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has fallen to ninth place among Kenya’s top fixed data providers, marking a significant drop from its previous standing as a leading challenger in the market. The latest report from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) reveals the service now holds a market share of just 0.8 per cent, with 17,425 active subscriptions, as local competitors regain ground through aggressive pricing and service improvements.

The decline represents a sharp reversal of fortunes for Starlink, which had rapidly ascended the rankings since its launch in July 2023. At its peak in late 2024 and early 2025, Starlink had climbed as high as seventh place, serving nearly 20,000 subscribers and accounting for more than 1 per cent of the market. Its initial appeal was rooted in providing high-speed, low-latency internet in remote and underserved areas where traditional fibre and mobile networks were non-existent or unreliable.

However, several factors have contributed to its recent slide. The primary issue has been the high cost of both the hardware and the monthly service. While the company has made price adjustments, its kit remains significantly more expensive than many competitors, and the monthly fees are often several times higher than fibre-to-home plans offered by local providers.

This cost barrier has been compounded by increased competition. Market leaders like Safaricom PLC and Jamii Telecommunications Limited have not stood still, responding to the satellite threat by rolling out more affordable fibre and 5G plans, with promotions that include free installation and faster speeds. The high-demand urban areas that Starlink initially targeted are now saturated with more economical and reliable terrestrial alternatives.

As a result, Safaricom, Kenya’s top internet services provider, has 34.3 per cent of the market while Jamii Telecommunications, in second place, commands 20.6 per cent of the market.

Additionally, new player Ahadi Wireless Limited has entered the top 10 list at position five, showcasing the dynamic nature of the market, with a 7.5 per cent market share and a strategy that, just like Starlink, is focused on providing affordable internet to underserved communities.