Safaricom, Kenya’s dominant telecom operator, is intensifying its push into the affordable broadband market, introducing entry-level internet packages starting at KES 800 ($6) per month to challenge smaller providers that have long dominated price-sensitive neighbourhoods.
The company is currently piloting a pay-as-you-go wireless internet service called Wi-Fi Bamba in densely populated, low-income areas including Kawangware, Kangemi, and Kiambu Bus Park. According to Safaricom, the pilot has already attracted more than 800 active users. The service targets budget-conscious customers in high-footfall locations such as markets and bus parks.
“Wi-Fi Bamba is currently in the pilot phase within densely populated areas of Nairobi and Kiambu… Subject to a successful and commercially viable pilot, we plan to scale the product to similar neighbourhoods across Kenya,” the telco said
ALSO READ: MTN NAMES NEW CEOS FOR CÔTE D’IVOIRE AND ZAMBIA OPERATIONS
Safaricom’s new offerings include Fibre Lite and Wi-Fi Bamba, delivering speeds of 10–20 Mbps at prices ranging from KES 800 to KES 2,000 per month. The company doubled speeds across these packages in May without increasing prices.
Unlike traditional home fibre connections, Wi-Fi Bamba requires no installation, router, or monthly subscription. Customers in coverage areas can connect directly from their devices, select a package, pay via M-PESA, and start browsing immediately.
The service uses radio technology backhauled through fibre at Safaricom base stations and distributed via wireless access points.
