Starlink’s once-rapid growth in Kenya has hit a snag, with subscriptions dropping 11% in the first quarter of 2025. The decline, from over 19,000 to 17,066 users, follows a seven-month freeze on new sign-ups in high-demand areas like Nairobi. It also reflects growing competition from local telecommunications players such as Safaricom. For instance, many Kenyans turned to Safaricom’s cheaper 5G routers during Starlink’s seven-month freeze due to frustrations with long waiting lists, high costs, and technical hiccups. While Starlink still appeals to rural users needing fast, reliable internet, this competition is only heating up—especially as local retailers pivot to promoting 5G alternatives. To make matters worse, looming regulatory changes could push Starlink’s operational costs even higher, threatening its hold on Kenya’s evolving internet market.
techcabal
