Based on Q4 sector statistics from the
Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the country has 1.5 million fixed data
subscribers. These subscribers primarily rely on 10 main internet service
providers (ISPs) for both home and business.
The home internet market is growing with new players like
Vilcom, Vijiji Connect Ltd and others taking on the established giants.
Satellite company Starlink’s entrance
in Kenya also stirred up the market.
With only 0.5% of the current market, Starlink in Kenya made
established home internet packages to change. It’s reported that Kenyans fixed
internet connections are experiencing speed improvements of up to 18.5% as
providers adjusted their packages.
Who are the best Internet Service providers in Kenya?
The choice of home Wi-Fi provider depends on your needs
really. Ideally, most people just need a consistent internet connection at home
but would like to keep their monthly payment low. Some home users are more
focused on broadband speed and the availability of support when problems occur.
Availability in your area is also something that will
determine the internet provider you choose. Kenya ISPs are not in every town
and might be in your town but not in your residential area.
Although a broadband-only ISP may be acceptable, the option
to combine services such as television and a landline should be considered.
Available bundles vary by provider.
Other than price, download speed, latency, and loading times
are something you may want to consider. In an nPerf analysis, Faiba registered
good performances in all categories of fixed internet, making it the best ISP
in Kenya for the year 2024.
Lastly, before choosing a home internet provider in Kenya,
look at their fair
usage policy (FUP), which can often lower your internet speeds when a
limit or cap is surpassed.
This article presents an examination of various internet
service providers in Kenya, with particular attention given to home internet
packages.
Vilcom Home Internet
Vilcom is a relatively new ISP in Kenya but has coverage in
20 counties across Kenya. CA sector report places this ISP at 6th in
the country with 1.5% of the market share. Vilicom home internet is available
in Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Meru, Embu, Bungoma, Kakamega, Nakuru, Kajiado,
Machakos, Kiambu, Mombasa, and Nairobi.
|
Home Plans |
Speeds |
Monthly Price (KSH) |
|
Starter |
8 Mbps |
1,999/- |
|
Starter |
18 Mbps |
2,799/- |
|
Basic |
30 Mbps |
3,799/- |
|
Basic |
60 Mbps |
4,999/- |
|
Standard |
100 Mbps |
7,999/- |
|
Premium |
500 Mbps |
11,999/- |
Dumatel Home Fibre
|
Home Plans |
Speeds |
Monthly Price (KSH) |
|
Konnect |
10 Mbps |
2,199/- |
|
Speedi |
20 Mbps |
3,799/- |
|
Pepea |
30 Mbps |
4,999/- |
|
Noma |
25 Mbps |
7,699/- |
|
Mwewe |
45 Mbps |
10,999/- |
Mawingu Home Wi-Fi
Mawingu is a Home Wi-Fi provider dedicated to rural and
peri-urban communities in Kenya. It holds 2.6% of the fixed data market placing
it at 5th. Mawingu claims it provides Wi-Fi coverage to 30 counties,
with Mandera County its latest addition.
|
Home Plans |
Speeds |
Monthly Price (KSH) |
|
Max 10 Unlimited |
10 Mbps |
2,500/- |
|
Max 15 Unlimited |
15 Mbps |
3,000/- |
|
Max 20 Unlimited |
20 Mbps |
4,500/- |
For home Wi-Fi connection, Mawingu requires you to pay KES
3,000 as a one-time refundable deposit.
Liquid Home
The telecommunication giant, Liquid,
also has home Wi-Fi packages for Kenya. Their home internet plans come with a
free Wi-Fi router.
|
Home Plans |
Speeds |
Monthly Price (KSH) |
|
Fast |
20 Mbps |
2,799/- |
|
Fibre |
40 Mbps |
3,799/- |
|
Super Fast |
60 Mbps |
4,449/- |
|
Lightning Fast |
80 Mbps |
6,999/- |
|
Turbo Charged |
100 Mbps |
11,999/- |
Poa Home Internet
Poa is a home WIFI service provider that specifically
intends offer low cost internet. It currently covers Nairobi, Eldoret, Nakuru,
Kisumu and Mombasa. However, its not in every residential area of these cities
so check your area if its covered.
Home Wi-Fi on Poa is capped at 5 Mbps. One can pay Weekly at
KES 450 per week or pay KES 1,575 per month. Unlike most ISPs today, Poa
Internet requires first-time subscribers to pay an installation fee of KES
2000.
With Poa Home, customers also receive complimentary access
to Poa! street, a street Wi-Fi network of hotspots. The company is 4th in
terms of market share with 13.2%.
Zuku Home Internet
Zuku by Wanaichi Group is a pioneer in delivering Wi-Fi
services to Kenyan homes. The company has comprehensive coverage in Nairobi,
Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru. Zuku offers Internet only packages with free
installation.
|
Speeds |
Monthly Price (KSH) |
|
10 Mbps |
2,799/- |
|
20 Mbps |
4,199/- |
|
60 Mbps |
5,999/- |
Zuku does have triple play packages that come with same
internet packages but also Digital Tv, and a home phone. The costs are slightly
different at 2,899/, 4,399/-, and 6,299/- respectively.
Faiba Home
Faiba Internet by Jamii Telecommunications Ltd is also
another giant and holds 24% of the market. Its home wi-fi services fully cover
Nairobi. Its available in most parts of Kenya bar the North East, although
coverage is in specific areas. Faiba Home unlimited Wi-Fi packages are as
follows.
|
Speeds |
Monthly Price (KSH) |
|
70 Mbps |
5,000/- |
|
90 Mbps |
10,000/- |
|
120 Mbps |
15,000/- |
|
300 Mbps |
20,000/- |
Subscription to Faiba Home Wi-Fi also comes with 5 sim
cards.
Vijiji Home Internet
Vijiji Connect Ltd is another growing ISP that has now same
number of subscribers as Starlink in Kenya.
|
Home Plans |
Speeds |
Monthly Price (KSH) |
|
VGG Start |
8 Mbps |
1,850/- |
|
VGG Lite |
15 Mbps |
2,300/- |
|
VGG Flex |
30 Mbps |
2,900/- |
|
VGG Boost |
40 Mbps |
3,500/- |
|
VGG Power |
80 Mbps |
6,000/- |
|
VGG Max |
100 Mbps |
10,000/- |
VGG home Wi-Fi services are available in parts of Thika,
Juja, Utawala, Ngoingwa, Kasarani, Ruaka, Ruiru, Gitaru, and Mirema.
Dimensions Data Home Fibre
The giant company has 3 home packages and claims to offer
unlimited internet with no FUP or data caps.
|
Home Plans |
Speeds |
Monthly Price (KSH) |
|
Silver |
6 Mbps |
2,900/- |
|
Gold |
12 Mbps |
3,900/- |
|
Platinum |
24 Mbps |
5,800/- |
Airtel 5G Router
Last year, Airtel slashed
the price of its 5G home router from Kshs.10,000 to just Kshs.3,000
making it even more affordable for users who are looking to take advantage of
the network. The router also has up to 5hrs of reserve battery power.
The plans come in three tiers – 10Mbps at Ksh 3,500 monthly,
20Mbps at Ksh 5,000 monthly, and 30Mbps at Ksh 6,500 monthly.
How to purchase or renew Airtel Router data plans?
There a few options.
• You can Dial *400# and select your preferred 5G Plans.
•Via My Airtel App and select Airtel 4G/5C W-Fi or select Buy
Bundles.
•Go to Airtel Website,
Login and buy bundles. If not registered, click the “REGISTER tab.
Safaricom Home Fibre
|
Home Plans |
Speeds |
Monthly Price (KSH) |
|
Bronze |
15 Mbps |
2,999/- |
|
Silver |
30 Mbps |
4,100/- |
|
Gold |
80 Mbps |
6,299/- |
|
Diamond |
500 Mbps |
12,499/- |
|
Platinum |
1 Gbps |
20,000/- |
Which Kenya Home Wi-Fi Provider to Choose?
As stated earlier, cost, needs, and ISP availability are the
main considerations. The main Kenyan ISPs offer internet plans from as low as 5
Mbps to 1 Gbps. So, whether you just need to check your email and Facebook
posts or you’re a heavy user who needs gigabit speeds, Kenya’s internet
providers have got you covered.
And data caps, which are often ignored. Unlimited internet,
as advertised, is not always unlimited. It may not be important, but also
checking how many connections the provided router supports helps. In case you
have so many guests and some can’t have access, that might be the issue.
Definitely check out reviews from other consumers and ask friends and neighbors before making a choice. Hope you get to enjoy the best possible internet experience in your home.