04 November 2024

Kenya’s parliamentary committee on communications, innovation and information has approved new internet service providers (ISPs) to operate in the country to increase competition in the segment while ensuring strict compliance with laws protecting consumer rights and data privacy.

The move comes amid concerns from Kenyan telecoms operator Safaricom. In a recent letter to the Communications Authority (CA), Safaricom suggested that the regulator require satellite internet providers to collaborate with local mobile network operators, instead of granting them standalone operating licenses.

Kenyan President William Ruto said that the introduction of Starlink in the Kenyan market in 2023 had created competition, pushing existing players like Safaricom to provide better services.