The demand for home internet solutions in Kenya has surged, with a growing number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) entering the market.
While established players like Safaricom, Zuku, and Jamii Telecom dominate, smaller providers are increasingly capturing market share, particularly in satellite towns such as Kajiado, Kiambu, and parts of Nairobi.
These smaller ISPs are targeting areas overlooked by larger providers, focusing on developed neighborhoods eager for unlimited internet access.
In this article, we will explore the various ISPs available in Kenya, highlighting the packages they offer for home users.
You can check and test the strength of your internet by doing an internet speed test by visiting this website www.speed.co.ke
Understanding ISP Coverage and Selection Criteria
When selecting an ISP for your home internet, several factors come into play:
- Coverage: Not all ISPs cover every residential area. It’s crucial to confirm whether your preferred ISP provides service in your location.
- Pricing: Different ISPs offer varying pricing structures, so it’s essential to find a package that fits your budget.
- Speeds: The internet speed you require will depend on your usage habits, such as streaming, gaming, or working from home.
- Customer Care: Good customer support can make a significant difference in your overall experience.
Leading Home Internet Providers in Kenya
1. Safaricom Home Internet
Safaricom is one of the leading ISPs in Kenya, offering several fiber packages:
| Package | Speeds | Price (30 days) | Fair Usage Limit | Speeds after Fair Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 10 Mbps | Kshs. 2,999 | 500GB | 1Mbps |
| Silver | 20 Mbps | Kshs. 4,100 | 1000GB | 3Mbps |
| Gold | 40 Mbps | Kshs. 6,299 | 1000GB | 3Mbps |
| Diamond | 100 Mbps | Kshs. 12,499 | 1000GB | 3Mbps |
Safaricom provides a free Wi-Fi router with installation and configuration included. Payments can be made via M-PESA using PayBill number 150501.
2. Faiba Home Internet (Jamii Telecom)
Faiba offers dedicated fiber connections with the following packages:
| Package | Speeds | Price (30 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited internet | 40 Mbps | Kshs. 5,250 |
| Unlimited internet | 65 Mbps | Kshs. 10,500 |
| Unlimited internet | 90 Mbps | Kshs. 15,750 |
| Unlimited internet | 140 Mbps | Kshs. 21,000 |
To pay via M-PESA, use Business no. 330330 and your JTL FAIBA account number.
3. Telkom Home Plan
Telkom offers a range of 4G data bundles for home users. Here are the available options:
| Home Plans | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Daily 5GB | 24 Hrs | Kshs. 250 |
| Monthly 12 GB | 30 Days | Kshs. 1,000 |
| Monthly 30 GB | 30 Days | Kshs. 2,000 |
| Monthly 50 GB | 30 Days | Kshs. 3,000 |
| Unlimited | 30 Days | Kshs. 4,000 |
| Unlimited Plus 500GB | 30 Days | Kshs. 5,500 |
| 100GB | 90 Days | Kshs. 6,000 |
To subscribe, dial USSD *544# or contact Telkom customer care.
4. Liquid Home Fibre
Liquid Home provides various fiber packages:
| Package | Speeds | Price (30 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 5 Mbps | Kshs. 2,499 |
| Fast | 10 Mbps | Kshs. 3,499 |
| Super Fast | 25 Mbps | Kshs. 5,199 |
| Lightning Fast | 50 Mbps | Kshs. 6,839 |
Liquid Home promises unlimited usage, although speeds may vary during peak hours.
5. Poa! Home
Poa is a budget-friendly ISP with coverage in most parts of Nairobi, offering unlimited access for Kshs. 1,500 per month. They also provide access to over 10,000 public hotspots. The initial installation fee is Kshs. 3,500.
6. Zuku Home
Zuku, part of the Wananchi Group, offers the following packages:
Table
| Package | Speeds | Price (30 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Only | 10 Mbps | Kshs. 2,799 |
| Internet Only | 20 Mbps | Kshs. 4,199 |
| Internet Only | 60 Mbps | Kshs. 5,999 |
| Lightning Fast | 50 Mbps | Kshs. 6,839 |
Zuku provides a free modem and installation, with additional options for triple play packages.
7. Vilcom Fibre Solutions
A newer player, Vilcom, offers packages in parts of Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu, and Nakuru:
| Package | Speeds | Price (30 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Only | 8 Mbps | Kshs. 2,800 |
| Internet Only | 15 Mbps | Kshs. 3,800 |
| Internet Only | 30 Mbps | Kshs. 4,999 |
| Internet Only | 60 Mbps | Kshs. 9,499 |
8. Dumatel Home Plans
| Package | Speeds | Price (30 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Konnect | 5 Mbps | Kshs. 2,199 |
| Super Fast | 10 Mbps | Kshs. 3,799 |
| Pepea | 15 Mbps | Kshs. 4,999 |
| Noma | 25 Mbps | Kshs. 7,699 |
| Mwewe | 45 Mbps | Kshs. 10,999 |
Dumatel also provides a free Wi-Fi router and promises connectivity within 48 hours after payment. You can contact them at 0717 888222 for inquiries.
Important Considerations When Choosing an ISP
- Availability of Service: Always check if your area is covered. Many ISPs list their coverage areas online, or you can contact them directly.
- Pricing and Packages: Compare different ISPs based on the speed and price of their packages. Look for promotions or discounts for new customers.
- Speed and Performance: Select a speed that suits your household’s needs—consider streaming, gaming, and work-from-home requirements.
- Additional Features: Some ISPs offer packages that include digital TV or home phone services (e.g., Zuku’s triple play), which can be convenient for bundling services.
- Customer Support: Good customer service is essential. Look for reviews regarding the responsiveness of the ISP’s support team during outages or connection issues.
- Contract Terms: Pay attention to the terms of service, including installation fees, contract duration, and cancellation policies. Some providers may lock you into long-term contracts.
- Data Caps and Fair Usage Policies: Understand any limitations on data usage which might apply, especially if you opt for unlimited plans.