In an unexpected decision, Starlink has temporarily halted new subscriptions in Nairobi and five neighboring counties in Kenya, citing an overwhelming demand that has exceeded its network capacity. The affected regions include Kiambu, Machakos, Narok, Murang’a, and Nakuru, where Starlink’s satellite-based internet service has rapidly gained popularity.
According to Starlink, the surge in users in Nairobi and surrounding areas has saturated network capacity, limiting its ability to accommodate additional subscribers. “Nairobi and neighboring areas are currently at network capacity. This means that too many users are trying to access the Starlink service within Nairobi, and there isn’t enough bandwidth to support additional residential or roaming customers now,” Starlink said in a statement.
Starlink, which provides internet access through a network of Low Earth Orbit satellites positioned approximately 1,000 kilometers above Earth, offers speeds reaching up to 300 Gbps. However, the current network strain in Nairobi raises concerns about the company’s ability to scale in densely populated urban settings.
The company has pledged to work on restoring services in the affected areas and will notify users once additional capacity is available.
Starlink’s popularity in Kenya has surged since its July 2023 launch, with its user base expanding more than tenfold due to promotional offers and more affordable plans. In August, Starlink introduced a $15.15 (KES 1,950) monthly rental plan for its internet kits, appealing to users who could not afford the $350 (KES 45,000) hardware purchase. This move significantly increased its accessibility and drew in thousands of new users nationwide.
ALSO READ: GHANA LAUNCHES 5G; PAVES WAY FOR A DIGITALLY INCLUSIVE FUTURE
However, Starlink’s rapid expansion has also sparked tensions with local internet service providers. Safaricom, one of Kenya’s largest ISPs, recently urged the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to review regulations on foreign satellite internet providers operating without agreements with local companies. Safaricom has proposed that CA restrict satellite providers from other countries, which could potentially limit Starlink’s presence in Kenya.
Despite the pause in new subscriptions, Starlink’s growing popularity highlights a demand for high-speed, affordable internet options in Kenya. However, as the company navigates capacity challenges and regulatory scrutiny, its ability to expand sustainably in Kenya’s urban areas remains uncertain.
