American billionaire Elon Musk’s internet company, Starlink, has announced a 55% reduction in the price of its installation hardware kit in Kenya. Elon Musk owns Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX. Photo: Taylor Hill. Source: Getty Images In a statement on its official website, Starlink said the discount will be offered until May 15. Customers will purchase hardware equipment at KSh 39,500 during this period, down from KSh 89,000. Starlink noted it offers high internet speeds of up to 180 Megabits Per Second (Mbps). “Starlink for homes. The KSh 39,500 offer ends on May 15. Unlimited high-speed internet for KSh 6,500 per month. Available everywhere in Kenya with speeds up to 180Mbps,” the company said. When did Starlink enter the Kenyan market? The internet service that offers high-speed broadband to remote areas entered the Kenyan market in July 2023. Starlink is a subsidiary of SpaceX that launched in 2018 with 3,200 satellites orbiting the low-earth orbit. It uses satellite to send internet connectivity signals to users instead of standard broadband, which uses optic fibre and copper cables. The company aims to connect many people worldwide in remote areas that traditional Internet service providers have not covered. Kenyans pay the highest Starlink charges Before the fees were reduced, Kenyans paid the highest charges in Africa to set up Starlink. Kenyan fees were set at KSh 98,599, while Mozambique recorded the second-highest charges at KSh 94,592. The fees covered hardware kits, including a Starlink dish, a mounting stand, cables and a power source. Nigerians will pay the least amount in the continent at KSh 58,516.24. On the other hand, Rwandan users will pay KSh 59,378.62. Meanwhile, those in Zambia and Malawi will be charged KSh 74,389 and KSh 84,749, respectively.
by Japhet Ruto