Safaricom responds to claims they declined payment of Starlink via Mpesa

Safaricom has dismissed rumors that it has removed M-Pesa as a payment option for Starlink internet services, assuring customers that the method is still available.

The confusion arose after a user on X (formerly Twitter), Gathogo B Mwangi, claimed that Safaricom had discontinued the option. Safaricom responded by clarifying,

“Bwana Gathogo, this isn’t true. The option is still there. Please reach out if you encounter any problems.”

A different X User captioned

Below are some the reactions

@EliMageto:Safaricom can see its monopoly ending at the end of the tunnel. It’s not a question of if but when! They should start parking.

@muemad586: Starlink is good for both poor and rich, @SafaricomPLC just pave the way guys.

@ungumwendia: They’ve just throttled one of their revenue sources via bill payments. We were paying via the card before the Mpesa option was introduced. It has little or no impact.

@DreamerBegreat: Was typing something nikakumbuka sina doo ya lawyer na pia sijulikani hii TL.

@Vilimind: Ata kama ni Barter Trade tutafanya. Walete starlink niwapee ng’ombe moja na Mbuzi.

@kwachiffu: Sai safaricom wanafa decisions na emotions ,change is must , na hizi sarakasi zote zinafanywa starlink unapata free advert.

@mwandrox: Airtel money wafanye mambo.

@Kherikombe: Watu wamechoka.

@W__Winnie: Why exactly are people celebrating safaricom’s woes? Coz call me petty or whatever but I will support Local companies before anything else.

@munenechris_77: kama hamwezi kuchangamkia hii opportunity with Airtel Money, you cannot be helped.

@AmulakaFredrick: Very weird strategy.. people will still pay via credit/debit cards safaricom will lose transaction fee .. si wangekulia hapo kwa transactions wajinga sana.

@towett_1: Safaricom thought by orchestrating plans to revoke Starlink licences in Kenya will protect their market, but they got it wrong. Instead it turns out that they marketed it even further to an extent that I installed a total of 7 hardwares hapa Mau Summit. They won’t believe it.

Starlink was introduced into the Kenyan market in July 2023. It offers high speed and coverage to remote areas where local internet service providers may not reach. 

Starlink, powered by SpaceX, uses a network of satellites in low Earth orbit to deliver high-speed internet with low latency, making it ideal for rural and underserved regions.

The competition between Starlink and local ISPs increased following the recent discounted offers in Kenya.

“Starlink now offers Starlink kit rentals throughout Kenya. Rent Starlink for Sh1,950/month or purchase for Sh45,500,” the company announced in a statement.

BY  PENINAH NJOKI