Starlink has grown so fast in Kenya in just a few months. According to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), Starlink’s market share went from 0.5% in June 2024 to 1.1% by September 2024 with 8,723 new users added during that period. That’s more than the total number of users added in the past year.
Starlink’s Rise to the Top
The company has moved three positions in the market share leaderboard and has surpassed Liquid Telecommunications Kenya and Vijiji Connect Limited to tie with Dimension Data Solutions East Africa Limited at position 7. This growth is in line with the overall growth in satellite internet in Kenya which more than doubled in three months from 8,324 in June to 17,042 in September with a growth rate of 104.7%. Starlink’s aggressive customer acquisition campaigns including affordable equipment rental options was key to this.
Internet Capacity
In addition to subscription growth, Kenya’s satellite internet capacity has also grown. Utilised capacity grew by 152.8% to 2,124.438 Gbps in September from 840.448 Gbps in June. This is due to Starlink’s increasing presence in the Kenyan market.
Market Trends
Safaricom is still the biggest player in Kenya’s fixed internet market with 36.6% market share, while Jamii Telecommunications Ltd (24.4%) and Zuku (16.8%) have had mixed results. Zuku’s share has declined from 17.5% in June to 16.8% in September.
Conclusion
Since Starlink launched in Kenya in July 2023, the industry has been shaken. Expect this competition to change the game as providers fight for a growing user base.
This is big for Starlink’s focus on high speed internet in unserved areas and redefining internet access in Kenya.