Kenya’s internet game is changing fast.
Fiber’s great—if you’re in Nairobi or Mombasa.
But what about the other 80% of the country?
Satellite internet is the answer.
It’s not just a backup plan—it’s a lifeline for rural businesses, remote workers, and anyone tired of spotty mobile data.
In this guide, I’m breaking down the best satellite internet providers in Kenya.
No fluff.
No hype.
Just the facts, the players, and the actionable steps to get you connected.
By the end, you’ll know who’s worth your money and how to pick the right one.
Let’s get to it.
You’re in a village in Turkana.
Or a farm in Nakuru.
Mobile data drops every five minutes.
Fiber? Forget it—it’s not coming anytime soon.
That’s where satellite internet steps in.
It beams high-speed connectivity straight from space, no cables required.
Here’s the deal: Kenya’s internet penetration hit 40.8% in 2024, with 22.71 million users online.
But most of that’s urban.
Rural areas are still stuck in the dial-up dark ages—or worse, no connection at all.
Satellite internet providers in Kenya are flipping the script.
They’re bringing fast, reliable internet where traditional ISPs can’t reach.
But it’s not perfect.
Weather can mess with it.
Upfront costs can sting.
Still, for millions of Kenyans, it’s the difference between staying offline and running a business, streaming a movie, or schooling kids online.
I spoke to a guy named James, a coffee farmer in Nyeri.
He used to drive 20 kilometers to check prices on his phone.
Now, with satellite internet, he’s got market data on his porch.
That’s the kind of game-changer we’re talking about.
Tip: If you’re rural or semi-rural, satellite beats waiting for fiber.
Check your location’s line-of-sight to the sky—trees or buildings can block the signal.
Top Tools: Google Earth (free) to scout your spot before you buy.
Let’s cut to the chase.
Here are the top dogs in the satellite internet game in Kenya as of February 2025.
I’ve dug into their speeds, prices, and real-world performance.
No marketing BS—just what works.
Elon Musk’s brainchild is shaking up Kenya’s internet scene.
Launched here in July 2023, Starlink’s got over 8,000 subscribers by mid-2024.
Why? It’s fast, it’s everywhere, and it’s forcing local ISPs to sweat.
Why It Wins: Starlink’s low-earth-orbit satellites mean faster data than old-school providers.
It’s plug-and-play—set it up yourself in 30 minutes.
Rural Kenya loves it because it doesn’t care about your postcode.
Downside: Weather can slow it down.
That upfront cost isn’t cheap either.
Example: A Nairobi content creator told me Starlink doubled his upload speeds.
He’s pumping out YouTube videos faster than ever.
Minify Tip: If cash is tight, rent the kit.
Test it for 30 days—Starlink offers a trial.
If it works, buy it outright to save long-term.
This German outfit’s been connecting Kenya’s remote spots for years.
NTvsat isn’t flashy, but it’s built for businesses needing rock-solid internet.
Why It Wins: It’s tailored for companies—think mining operations or NGOs.
They handle everything: hardware, installation, support.
You’re not just buying internet; you’re buying peace of mind.
Downside: No clear pricing online.
You’ve got to call them, which can be a hassle.
I know of a logistics firm in Mombasa uses NTvsat to track trucks in real-time across Kenya’s hinterlands.
No more guessing where their shipments are.
Minify Tip: If you’re a business, email NTvsat with your needs (users, speed, location). Negotiate—bundling hardware can cut costs.
Viasat’s been in the satellite game forever.
In Kenya, it’s a solid pick for households wanting dependable internet without the fuss.
Why It Wins: It’s affordable and user-friendly.
Perfect for families in peri-urban areas like Eldoret or Kisumu.
Free installation sweetens the deal.
Downside: Speeds drop during peak hours.
Not as fast as Starlink for heavy users.
Minify Tip: Go for the 50 Mbps plan if you’re a family of four. It’s the sweet spot for cost vs. performance.
Bonus List: Other Players to Watch
Picking the best satellite internet provider in Kenya isn’t rocket science.
But it’s not a coin toss either.
| Provider | Service Characteristics | Price Range | Notes |
| Telkom Kenya (SKYNET) | Offers VSAT services. Provides metered and unlimited plans. Offers varying speeds and data volumes. Business and residential packages. | * Varies greatly depending on the plan. From relatively low cost metered plans, to higher cost unlimited plans. For Example: SKYNET Lite Metered Plan 10 is around KES 3,610.07. Then prices go up from there. | * Focuses on providing connectivity in areas with limited terrestrial infrastructure. Provides various levels of service to fit differant customer needs. |
| Konnect Africa | * Provides fixed satellite internet services. * Targets both residential and business customers. * Uses Eutelsat satellite technology. * Provides services to remote locations. | * Pricing varies based on location and chosen plan. * Contact Konnect Africa for current pricing. | * Aims to bridge the digital divide by connecting underserved areas. * Focuses on easy instillation. |
| Starlink | * Offers low-latency, high-speed satellite internet. * Uses a large network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. * Designed for both residential and business use. * Known for higher speeds. | * Starlink has equipment costs, and monthly service fees. Those prices fluctuate. It is best to check the starlink website for current pricing. | * Provides a relatively advanced satellite internet experience. * Good for users needing higher bandwidth. |
| NTvsat | * Provides VSAT services. * Focuses on providing connectivity to remote locations. * Provides services for many different needs, including mining, and health services. | * Pricing is based on individual customer needs, and the services that are required. Contact NTvsat for pricing. | * Focuses on buisness solutions. |
Here’s how to nail it without wasting time or money.
Ask yourself:
A solo freelancer in Kitale needs less juice than a 10-person office in Narok.
Starlink’s overkill for casual browsing—Viasat might do.
But if you’re running a business, NTvsat’s customization beats all.
Minify Tip: Write down your daily internet tasks.
If it’s Zoom calls and uploads, prioritize low latency (Starlink).
If it’s just WhatsApp and news, save cash with WafaNet.
Satellite internet providers in Kenya all claim “nationwide” coverage.
Truth is, your exact spot matters.
A hill or tall building can block your dish.
A buddy in Meru bought Starlink but couldn’t use it—trees blocked the signal.
He switched to Viasat and saved KES 50,000.
Location is king.
Minify Tip: Use a compass app (free on your phone) to check south-facing sky clearance.
No clear shot? Pick a provider with local installers (like Viasat or NTvsat).
Don’t sign up blind.
Test the service.
Starlink offers a 30-day trial.
Others might not, but push for a demo—especially with NTvsat.
Minify Tip: Start with the cheapest plan.
Scale up if it works. Cancel if it doesn’t—don’t get stuck with a dud.
Top Tools: Speedtest.net (free) to measure real performance post-setup.
Kenya’s satellite internet scene is heating up.
Starlink’s leading the charge, but NTvsat and Viasat aren’t far behind.
The best satellite internet providers in Kenya aren’t one-size-fits-all.
It’s about what YOU need—speed, cost, or coverage.
Key Takeaway: Don’t wait for fiber to reach your doorstep.
Satellite internet is here, it works, and it’s changing lives.
Pick a provider, test it, and get online.
Your business, your kids’ education, your Netflix binge—it’s all waiting.
GET IN TOUCH
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