Kenya’s Market For Internet Grew To 43.5 Million Subscribers

Kenya’s internet market grew to hit 43.5 million subscribers in 2020 according to data released by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

Growth in the uptake of internet data in Kenya came at a time millions of Kenyans remained in their homes in the famously “work-from-home” call to cut down on the spread of Covid-19.

The data from CA shows that Airtel and Telkom have strived in providing internet services to their customers, succeeding to eat into Safaricom’s customer base.

The two, Airtel and Telkom Kenya were set to merge but called off the plan after many months of push and pull with concerned authorities.

In 2020, Safaricom lost 1.2 percent of the market share in terms of internet subscribers. The giant telecom, however, is still the leader of the market, controlling 67.5 percent of the market.

READ: Demand For Data Forces Telkom Telkom To Review Costs

Airtel is now the second-largest in internet market share with 28.6 percent while Telkom came in the distant third with 5.4 percent. The two have been striving to catch up with Safaricom.

Kenya’s data form 98.5 percent of internet subscriptions. The sector received a boost with the introduction of Covid-19 measures that confined the majority of Kenyans in their homes.

Closure of schools also meant that parents opted for online learning for their kids hence a rise in subscription than any other year.

Kenya’s telecommunications sector is dominated by three major players; Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom. Safaricom has been all the other players in the sector a run for their money.

Safaricom often has leverage because of its stronger infrastructure as compared to other players. Other players have accused it of dominating the market but it keeps on ballooning.

Currently, Safaricom is the largest profitable telecom in East and Central and one of the largest revenue earners for the government.

Airtel and Telkom wanted to merge to stand a chance against Safaricom but shelved the plans.

READ: MultiChoice Group Subscribers Move Past 20 Million