Discover the latest Starlink subscription plans in Kenya, including residential, business, and portable packages. Compare prices, features, and installation options for 2025
In a rapidly digitizing world, reliable internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity, especially in a vibrant and growing market like Kenya. Starlink, SpaceX’s revolutionary satellite internet service, has transformed connectivity in Kenya since its launch in July 2023. Offering high-speed, low-latency internet through a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink is bridging the digital divide, particularly in underserved rural areas and bustling urban centers like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. For those searching for “Starlink Subscription Plans in Kenya,” this comprehensive guide explores the available plans, pricing, speeds, and everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Starlink’s appeal lies in its ability to deliver internet speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 1 Gbps with latency as low as 25ms, surpassing many traditional providers like Safaricom and Airtel in remote regions. By February 2025, Starlink had connected 16,786 users in Kenya, achieving a staggering 1,955.3% subscription growth in the 2023/24 financial year, making it the country’s eighth-largest internet provider. This article dives into the details of Starlink’s subscription plans, compares them to local competitors, and provides insights into hardware costs, installation options, and the future of satellite internet in Kenya.
Kenya’s internet penetration has soared to over 50% by 2025, yet rural areas and even some urban pockets still struggle with unreliable connections or expensive mobile data plans. Traditional ISPs rely on terrestrial infrastructure like fiber optic cables or 4G towers, which are often limited in remote regions like Turkana, Garissa, or Kitui. Starlink bypasses these constraints by beaming internet directly from its LEO satellites, ensuring coverage across Kenya’s diverse geography.
Key benefits of Starlink in Kenya include:
Global Coverage: Access high-speed internet in rural and urban areas alike, even where traditional infrastructure is absent.
High Speeds: Download speeds range from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps (and up to 1 Gbps for premium plans), ideal for streaming, gaming, remote work, and video calls.
Low Latency: With latency between 20-40ms, Starlink supports real-time applications like online gaming and Zoom meetings.
No Data Caps: Most plans offer unlimited data, unlike many local ISPs that impose limits.
Weather Resilience: Starlink dishes are designed to withstand Kenya’s rainy seasons, melting snow and enduring heavy rain or winds.
However, Starlink’s rapid growth has faced challenges, including a temporary subscription freeze in Nairobi due to capacity issues in 2024. Despite this, the service resumed sign-ups in June 2025, and increased bandwidth has improved performance, with total satellite capacity rising by 32.7% to 45 million Gbps by March 2025. Let’s explore the subscription plans available to Kenyans in 2025.
Starlink offers a range of subscription plans tailored to different user needs, from residential users to businesses and mobile travelers. Below is a detailed breakdown of the current plans available in Kenya, based on the latest information from 2025.
Price: KES 1,300/month (approx. USD 10)
Data: 50GB/month
Speeds: Up to 200 Mbps download, 5-20 Mbps upload
Latency: 25-60ms
Best For: Light users, students, or small households with basic browsing, streaming, and social media needs.
Details: Introduced in June 2024, this budget-friendly plan is ideal for cost-conscious users. However, it’s prioritized behind the standard Residential plan, meaning slower speeds during peak hours. Once the 50GB cap is reached, users can purchase additional data at a per-GB rate. This plan is not available in all areas, so check availability on the Starlink website.
Price: KES 4,000/month (approx. USD 31)
Data: Unlimited
Speeds: 25-220 Mbps download, 5-20 Mbps upload
Latency: 25-60ms
Best For: Households with multiple devices, streaming, video calls, and online gaming.
Details: This is the most popular plan for Kenyan homes, offering unlimited high-speed data with no contracts. It’s designed for everyday internet use, from Netflix streaming to remote work. The plan supports Wi-Fi 6 tri-band technology, allowing up to 235 devices to connect simultaneously, making it perfect for tech-savvy families in Nairobi or Mombasa.
Price: KES 6,500/month (approx. USD 50)
Data: Unlimited
Speeds: Up to 200 Mbps download, 5-20 Mbps upload
Latency: 20-40ms
Best For: Households or small businesses requiring reliable, high-speed connectivity.
Details: This plan offers enhanced performance compared to the Residential plan, with priority access during peak usage times. It’s ideal for users in urban areas like Nairobi’s CBD or Kisumu, where network congestion can affect performance. The Standard plan is paired with the Standard Actuated Kit for optimal results.
Price: KES 14,000/month (approx. USD 108)
Data: Unlimited
Speeds: Up to 200 Mbps download
Latency: 20-40ms
Best For: Travelers, campers, or RV users across Africa.
Details: Designed for mobility, this plan allows users to access Starlink’s network anywhere in Kenya or regionally across Africa. It’s perfect for digital nomads or businesses operating in multiple locations. Note that the hardware cost for this plan is higher, at KES 377,000, due to specialized equipment.
Price: Custom pricing (contact Starlink for details)
Data: 50GB or 1TB options
Speeds: Up to 200 Mbps download
Latency: 20-40ms
Best For: Maritime or mobile businesses requiring priority data.
Details: This premium plan prioritizes data over standard and mobile plans, ensuring faster speeds during congestion. It’s suited for businesses like logistics firms or maritime operations. After exhausting priority data, users receive unlimited standard data, which may be slower.
Price: Approx. KES 10,000/month and up (customized pricing)
Data: Unlimited or tiered priority data
Speeds: Up to 400 Mbps download with the Performance Kit
Latency: 20-40ms
Best For: Enterprises, schools, or hospitals needing high-speed, reliable connectivity.
Details: Tailored for businesses, these plans offer 24/7 prioritized support and publicly routable IPv4 addresses. The Performance Kit, priced higher, supports extreme environments and in-motion use, making it ideal for Nairobi’s industrial areas or remote healthcare facilities.
Price: Customized (contact Starlink)
Data: Unlimited
Speeds: Enhanced for high-demand applications
Latency: 20-40ms
Best For: Government institutions, large-scale commercial operations, or aviation.
Details: These plans cater to specialized needs, such as government aircraft or large enterprises. They include enhanced capabilities for mission-critical applications, with pricing negotiated directly with Starlink.
To access any Starlink subscription plan, users need a Starlink kit, which includes a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, and mounting equipment. Here are the hardware options available in Kenya:
Starlink Mini Kit: KES 27,000 (USD 211)
Compact and portable, ideal for home or on-the-go use.
Supports speeds over 100 Mbps with a built-in Wi-Fi router.
Best for Residential Lite and Residential plans.
Standard Actuated Kit: KES 45,000 (USD 350)
Designed for fixed installations, offering robust connectivity.
Features Wi-Fi 6 tri-band technology and supports up to 235 devices.
Recommended for Standard and Business plans.
Performance Kit: KES 377,000 and up
Built for durability in harsh environments, with speeds up to 400 Mbps.
Used for Business, Mobile Priority, and Government plans.
For those hesitant about upfront costs, Starlink introduced a rental option in August 2024:
Rental Cost: KES 1,950/month (USD 15) for hardware, plus KES 1,300/month for the 50GB plan.
Activation Fee: KES 2,700 (USD 21)
Shipping Fee: KES 3,100
Benefits: No large initial investment, making it accessible for budget-conscious users.
Kits can be purchased through Starlink’s official website, authorized resellers like Phonex Technologies, or retailers like Jumia. Delivery typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Starlink kits are designed for easy self-installation, requiring just two steps: plug in the dish and point it at the sky. The Starlink app guides users to find an unobstructed view, crucial for optimal performance. However, professional installation is recommended in urban areas like Nairobi, where buildings or trees may block satellite signals. Professional installers charge KES 5,000-15,000, depending on complexity, and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Starlink competes with established providers like Safaricom, Airtel, and Zuku. Here’s how it stacks up:
Coverage: Starlink reaches remote areas where Safaricom’s fiber (KES 3,000-12,500/month) is unavailable.
Pricing: The 50GB plan (KES 1,300) is cheaper than Safaricom’s 45GB (KES 2,500) or Airtel’s 50GB (KES 3,000).
Speeds: Starlink’s 25-220 Mbps outperforms most rural ISPs, though Safaricom’s upgraded 500 Mbps fiber plans compete in urban areas.
Reliability: Starlink’s satellite model avoids ground infrastructure issues, offering consistent service.
For example, a user in Kitale can check market prices online, while a Nairobi startup benefits from seamless cloud computing. However, urban users may face deprioritization during peak hours on lower-tier plans.
While Starlink is transformative, there are challenges:
Affordability: Initial hardware costs and monthly fees may be high for some Kenyans.
Capacity Issues: A 2024 subscription freeze in Nairobi highlighted network constraints, though increased bandwidth has alleviated this.
Urban Obstacles: High-rises and trees can obstruct signals, requiring professional installation.
Competition: Safaricom’s upgraded 5G and fiber plans are closing the speed gap in cities.
Starlink’s growth trajectory in Kenya is strong, with plans to introduce gigabit speeds by 2026 without hardware upgrades. The service aligns with Kenya’s Digital Superhighway initiative, aiming for 100% connectivity by 2030. As competitors like China’s satellite providers enter the market, pricing may become even more competitive, benefiting consumers.
Plans start at KES 1,300 for 50GB and go up to KES 14,000 for mobile plans, with business plans customized.
Yes, Starlink offers nationwide coverage, including rural and urban areas.
Yes, for KES 1,950/month plus a KES 2,700 activation fee and KES 1,300 for the 50GB plan.
Residential plans offer 25-220 Mbps, while business plans can reach 400 Mbps.
Visit Starlink’s website or authorized resellers like Phonex Kenya or Jumia.
For rural users or those with unreliable internet, Starlink’s coverage and speeds make it a strong choice. Urban users should compare with fiber options.
Starlink’s subscription plans in Kenya offer unmatched flexibility, speed, and coverage, making it a compelling choice for homes, businesses, and travelers. Whether you’re a student on a budget opting for the KES 1,300 Residential Lite plan or a business needing the robust Performance Kit, Starlink has a solution. With affordable rental options and growing availability, now is the perfect time to explore Starlink’s offerings. Visit the Starlink website or contact an authorized reseller to get connected and unlock the future of internet in Kenya.
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