Safaricom, Kenya’s largest telecommunications provider, is now pursuing a partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink after an unsuccessful attempt to block the satellite internet service from entering the Kenyan market.
The move comes amid mounting public dissatisfaction with Safaricom’s services and its struggle to maintain market dominance.
Safaricom has long faced criticism for its high prices, poor service quality, and alleged collusion with the government to stifle competition.
Safaricom PLC CEO Peter Ndegwa delivers a keynote speech. Photo: Peter Ndegwa Source: X
These issues have led many Kenyans to explore alternative options, including Starlink, which has been praised for providing reliable satellite-based internet service.
Today, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa announced the potential collaboration with Starlink, with the aim of extending internet access to rural areas where fiber infrastructure is limited.
However, many customers see this initiative as a last-minute attempt to salvage Safaricom’s reputation, with trust already eroded.
Complaints against Safaricom range from poor customer service to inadequate responses to fraud, with some users claiming they’ve had to offer bribes for better service.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa. Source: Facebook
The company’s perceived failure to address these concerns has driven many to consider Starlink’s offering as a better alternative.
Ndegwa, while addressing concerns about Starlink’s growing influence, called for collaboration rather than competition between the two companies.
He highlighted how satellite technology could help fill gaps in rural connectivity, positioning both services as complementary rather than direct competitors.
As the battle between Safaricom and Starlink intensifies, only time will tell whether Safaricom’s new strategy will help it win back customers or if Starlink will continue to gain ground in the Kenyan market.
“I think there’s misconception about Safaricom getting in the way. We’re not the regulator. We had expressed our views about how the regulator should ensure industry players express their views about how this is in terms of public participation which.
That notwithstanding, the development comes amid the backdrop of general feeling that Safaricom-Kenyans beef isnt about to be resolved. Kenyans are feeling that Safaricom has been overpricing them for poor services, aiding fraud where conmen and scammers use their MPESA to steal yet no action and lastly and not the least, aiding abduction especially when it is coming from the govt.
