Billionaire Elon Musk’s satellite internet firm, Starlink, has announced a significant 55.6 percent reduction in the price of its installation hardware kit in the Kenyan market. This promotion is set to run until May 15.
During this limited-time offer, Kenyans can purchase the hardware equipment for Sh39,500, down from the regular price of Sh89,000.
A promotional message displayed on the firm’s website reads, “SpaceX’s Starlink has an offer that applies to all of Kenya for a limited time—over 55 percent off your Starlink kit (now Sh39,500, was Sh89,000).”
An analysis conducted last October revealed that Kenya and Mozambique were the top-most charged markets for Starlink installation compared to other African countries where the technology was present. Starlink was operating in Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique at the time, with a notable difference in installation fees between countries.
However, Starlink seems to have encountered difficulties in some African markets. A recent BBC report revealed that the company has halted operations in at least four countries, including Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Botswana, and most recently in South Africa, due to the lack of operating licenses and other regulatory approvals.
Starlink first entered the Kenyan market in July last year, setting the stage for increased competition with local players like Safaricom, Jamii Telecommunications Limited (JTL), and Zuku, owned by the Wananchi Group. The company appointed local internet firm Karibu Connect as its first authorized reseller and later partnered with e-commerce platform Jumia Technologies as its first distributor of satellite terminals and connectivity kits in Africa.
Starlink’s technology consists of a vast network of small satellites in low earth orbit, allowing users on the ground to access the internet via phased-array user terminals, commonly known as dishes. This enables continuous and stable internet connections, especially in rural or remote areas where traditional internet services are limited.
However, the high installation cost of Starlink has been a barrier for many potential users. In Kenya, without the current promotion, subscribers 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.
