Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite internet company, has announced a significant 55.6 percent reduction in the price of its installation hardware kit in Kenya. This limited-time promotion runs until May 15th.
During this offer, Kenyans can purchase the hardware equipment for Sh39,500, down from its regular price of Sh89,000. A message on the company’s website reads, “SpaceX’s Starlink has a limited-time offer for all of Kenya—over 55 percent off your Starlink kit (now Sh39,500, was Sh89,000).”
A recent analysis showed that Kenya and Mozambique had the highest installation fees for Starlink compared to other African countries where it operates. Starlink had launched its services in Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. However, the company has faced challenges in some African markets, including Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Botswana, and South Africa, where it halted operations due to regulatory issues.
Starlink entered the Kenyan market last July, intensifying competition with local players like Safaricom, Jamii Telecommunications Limited (JTL), and Zuku. Initially, the company appointed Karibu Connect as its first authorized reseller and later partnered with Jumia Technologies as its first distributor of satellite terminals and connectivity kits in Africa.
Starlink’s technology relies on a network of small satellites in low Earth orbit, providing internet access via user terminals known as dishes. This allows for stable internet connections, particularly in rural or remote areas where traditional services are limited.
However, the high installation cost has been a barrier for many potential users. Without the current promotion, subscribers in Kenya would need to pay around Sh100,000 for the hardware kit alone, with an additional activation fee of Sh6,500, which also serves as the monthly subscription charge.
