Starlink Cuts Upfront Costs in Kenya, Rolls Out Instalment Plans to Expand Affordable Satellite Internet Access Nationwide

Elon Musk’s satellite internet firm, Starlink, has introduced a new instalment payment option for its mini kits in Kenya. The move aims to lower entry barriers for customers and revive subscriber growth that has slowed over the past year.

The company says high upfront equipment costs have discouraged many potential users. As a result, Starlink now allows customers to spread payments over six months. This approach is expected to attract more price-sensitive consumers, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Under the new plan, customers pay KSh 6,750 at checkout. They then pay KSh 16,250 for activation and KSh 3,000 for shipping. The remaining balance is cleared through six monthly instalments. Starlink confirmed the instalment option applies to its compact mini kit, which costs about KSh 27,000 in total.

However, the monthly subscription temporarily increases. The standard residential fee of KSh 6,500 rises by KSh 4,500 each month for six months to cover the kit. Starlink says the structure balances affordability with operational costs.

The company entered the Kenyan market in 2023 and recorded fast early growth. Within six months, it reached a 0.5 percent market share. In September 2024, Starlink introduced the mini kit at KSh 49,900 to widen access. Subscriber numbers later rose to 19,146 by December 2025, giving the firm a 0.8 percent share.

Growth later slowed due to capacity constraints. In November 2024, Starlink stopped new subscriptions in Nairobi and Mombasa. The pause reduced active users to 17,066 by March 2024. Subscriptions resumed in June 2025 after capacity upgrades.

During the freeze, rivals expanded aggressively. Safaricom and Airtel rolled out low-cost 5G routers priced below KSh 3,000. They targeted the same rural users Starlink hopes to reach.

Kenya’s fixed internet market remains competitive. Safaricom leads with 35.6 percent, followed by Jamii Telecom, Wananchi Group, Poa Internet, Ahadi Wireless, and Mawingu Networks. Starlink ranks ninth.

With instalment payments now available, Starlink hopes to regain momentum and grow its footprint across the country.