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| Space X founder Elon Musk and Safaricom’s CEO Peter Ndegwa. |
Kenya’s leading telecommunications provider, Safaricom, raised concerns regarding the entrance of satellite internet provider Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, into the Kenyan market. In a formal letter addressed to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), Safaricom urged the regulator to consider requiring satellite providers to partner with local mobile network operators as they begin granting independent licenses to satellite internet providers. Starlink, which launched in Kenya in July 2023, has expanded across Africa, offering satellite-based internet services that bypass traditional ground infrastructure. While the company has faced regulatory hurdles in some countries, it has introduced competitive pricing and hardware rental plans in Kenya, making its services more accessible. Why Safaricom wants Starlink regulated Safaricom’s concerns revolve around the potential for satellite coverage to span multiple territorial borders and provide services illegally within Kenya’s borders, leading to what the company called “harmful interference.” The telecom giant, partly owned by the Kenyan government, Vodafone, and Vodacom, expressed that satellite providers should operate as infrastructure providers to ensure local investment, employment, and compliance with Kenyan laws. How Kenyans reacted to Safaricom However, Safaricom’s position has ignited an online debate, especially on X (formerly Twitter), with many Kenyans voicing their opinions on the matter. @CPA_ClementE said: “Safaricom’s unease is understandable—Starlink is poised to disrupt the market in a big way, and there will likely be casualties.” @HonKangata said: “Govt. Should ignore Safaricom. Muranga automated it’s healthcare. Safaricom internet speed drops frequently. The speed so low. At times 4.7Mbps. New Starlink internet speeds hits 100 Mbps. This saves lives. And it’s not affected by weather.” @zero_mind8 said: “I never even in my weirdest dreams thought that I will ever see something shake Safaricom.” @DonaldBKipkorir said: “Ideas whose time has come & disruptive technology can’t be stopped. Safaricom came up with mPesa & disrupted the banking sector in Kenya. Starlink has come to disrupt how the entire world communicates without human disruption.” @reubenmuhindi said: “A friend in Cameroon told me he recently started using Starlink. I asked how comes yet I know Cameroon banned it early this year due to no license & citing national security threat. Turns out he bought it in Nigeria & uses it perfectly in Cameroon. Safaricom, you’re on your own.”@MalloFredrick said: “Yoh, the amount of free promotion Kenyans are giving Starlink is crazy. I can’t believe you guys hated Safaricom that deep. What happened to the ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’ initiative? Elon Musk is a billionaire y’all!.” As Starlink continues to gain traction in Kenya, the debate between embracing new technological advancements and supporting local industry is heating up. Safaricom’s call for regulatory intervention by CAK may be only the beginning of an ongoing battle over the future of internet services in the country.
by Elijah Ntongai