Kenya experienced a remarkable rise in satellite subscriptions during the 2023/24 financial year, driven by the launch of Starlink Internet Services. Satellite subscriptions grew by 73.1% in the fourth quarter alone, from 4,808 in March to 8,324 in June 2024. Remarkably, the year-over-year growth hit an incredible 1,955.3%, with subscriptions rising from just 405 in June 2023. By June 2024, 96.9% of satellite customers subscribed to speeds between 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps, with satellite services accounting for 52.98% of all high-speed internet subscriptions (100 Mbps to <1 Gbps). Thus, this reflects a growing demand for high-speed internet solutions in the country and their significance in the market.
However, in the rapidly evolving landscape of satellite internet, Safaricom still held the largest market share at 36.4%. In contrast, Starlink, which entered the market earlier in the financial year, held a 0.5% share by June 30, 2024. Starlink’s entry into the Kenyan market diversified the options available to consumers and significantly boosted the country’s satellite internet capacity, which grew by 1,635.1%, from 48.438 Gbps to 840.448 Gbps.
Safaricom and Starlink Potential Partnership
With its rapidly growing influence and subscriber base in Kenya, Safaricom has also recognised the critical role Starlink plays in the ecosystem, welcoming a potential partnership. “From a satellite perspective, we have to partner with Starlink or other satellite providers to ensure that technology plays right through,” Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said in an interview in early September. This came after Safaricom had earlier written to the regulatory authority to exercise caution when granting independent licenses to satellite internet providers like Starlink.
Starlink’s rapid growth in Kenya is expected to rise with the recent introduction of the ‘Starlink Mini’, a cheaper and portable version of the standard kit. “Starlink Mini is now available in Kenya. Stay connected with high-speed internet at home or on the go,” said a post on Starlink’s X page in September. The new mini package is priced at KSH 27,000 (USD 211), while the monthly service plans remain at KSH 1,300 (USD 10). This represents a significant price drop from the standard kit, which costs KSH 45,000 (USD 350). Additionally, a new rental kit option was introduced to the Kenyan market, furthering the availability of affordable options to customers interested in using Starlink Internet.
Starlink’s rapid growth in Kenya underscores its increasing reliance on satellite internet services to meet its needs. Satellite internet in Kenya is set to grow, particularly in underserved areas where traditional infrastructure remains lacking. Additionally, this could potentially bridge the digital divide, making high-speed internet accessible to more Kenyans than ever before.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2024/10/14/starlink-kenya-records-nearly-2000-increase-in-subscriptions-within-one-year/
