Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service, which entered the Kenyan market last year to much fanfare, is losing traction as rising costs and declining speeds prompt some users to abandon the satellite-based provider.
Data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) shows that Starlink’s active subscriptions fell in the second quarter of 2025 , the first decline since its launch in July 2023. Although the CA has not disclosed exact figures, industry insiders attribute the slowdown to steep hardware prices, high monthly fees, and a noticeable drop in connection speeds.
To access Starlink, customers must purchase a satellite kit priced at over KES 89,000 (USD 495), in addition to paying a monthly subscription fee of KES 6,500 (USD 36). While the service initially promised download speeds of up to 250Mbps in rural and remote areas underserved by traditional internet providers, many users now report average speeds below 100Mbps — sometimes dipping to levels comparable with mobile broadband.
Analysts say the costs put Starlink beyond the reach of most Kenyan households, especially as fibre and 4G providers offer cheaper packages in urban centres. The slowdown in speeds has also dampened enthusiasm among early adopters, many of whom had turned to the service for business continuity and reliable connectivity in areas with poor terrestrial infrastructure.
Globally, Starlink operated by SpaceX has expanded rapidly, reaching more than 3 million subscribers across over 100 countries. However, Kenya’s experience underscores the challenges of sustaining momentum in markets where cost sensitivity is high and competition from established telecoms is strong.
Despite the slowdown, Starlink still holds a niche in Kenya’s remote and underserved regions, where alternatives remain scarce. Industry experts say that tariff adjustments or hardware subsidies could help the service expand further in rural Africa.
The CA is expected to release detailed internet subscription data later this year, providing a clearer picture of Starlink’s market performance in Kenya.
