Advancements in technology, such as low-Earth-orbit satellites and advanced wireless links, are driving Kenya's internet growth. The Communications Authority of Kenya reported a 32.4% increase in fixed internet subscriptions between June 2025 and June 2026. Fibre optic remains the largest fixed internet technology, with subscriptions rising to 1.57 million in June, a 29.7% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to networks racing to connect more people. The expansion of internet services is transforming the digital landscape in Kenya.
New technologies are enabling operators to expand connectivity without relying on traditional infrastructure. Radio technology recorded a 471.1% year-on-year growth to 8,606 subscriptions, driven by the roll-out of radio technology by Airtel, Jamii Telecommunication, and Fiberlink Ltd. Radio frequency internet uses wireless radio signals to deliver high-speed internet, providing an alternative to physical copper or fibre optic cables. This growth indicates a shift towards innovative solutions to address internet connectivity challenges.
Satellite technology subscriptions also increased by 54.4% year-on-year to 27,695 in June, driven by the entry and expansion of LEO satellite services such as Starlink. These new technologies offer a way to reach locations where laying fibre or building conventional cellular infrastructure is difficult or expensive. The growth of satellite technology is attributed to its ability to provide internet access in remote and underserved areas.
The Communications Authority of Kenya reported a decline in satellite bandwidth capacity by 19.1% year-on-year to 0.360 gigabits per second in June. This decline is mainly attributed to the migration from traditional very small aperture terminal technology to LEO technology. LEO constellations operate closer to Earth, providing lower-latency connections and higher speeds. The shift towards LEO technology is transforming the satellite internet landscape in Kenya.
Mobile data continues to dominate Kenya's internet market, with subscriptions reaching 64.3 million at the end of June, up 9.7% from 58.6 million a year earlier. Mobile broadband accounted for 85.5% of total subscriptions, with 4G remaining the most adopted broadband technology at 48.3 million users. The expansion of 4G and 5G networks is accelerating smartphone adoption, driving demand for data-heavy activities.
Major telcos, including Safaricom and Airtel Africa, have invested heavily in capital expenditure to expand their networks. Safaricom invested over Sh500 billion in the past decade, while Airtel Africa invested $884 million during the year ended March 2026. These investments have driven the growth of 4G and 5G networks, increasing internet accessibility and speeds. The investments are also driving the adoption of smartphones and data-heavy services.
The fixed internet market is expanding, with more customers taking mid-tier broadband connections and ultra-fast services. Connections in the 256 kilobits per second to below two megabits per second category rose to 113,438 in June from 49,790 a year earlier. The growth reflects the increasing demand for speed, driven by the use of video streaming, online education, remote work, e-commerce, and cloud computing. The regulator attributed the growth to intense competition, a shifting digital economy, and aggressive infrastructure roll-outs.
Key points
- Kenya's fixed internet subscriptions grew by 32.4% between June 2025 and June 2026.
- Radio technology and satellite technology subscriptions recorded significant growth, with 471.1% and 54.4% year-on-year increases, respectively.
- Mobile data dominates Kenya's internet market, with 64.3 million subscriptions at the end of June.
