Kenya’s Internet Boom: Safaricom, Jamii Telecom, and Wananchi Take the Lead

Kenya’s internet scene is buzzing, and three companies—Safaricom PLC, Jamii Telecommunications Ltd, and Wananchi Group (Kenya) Ltd—are leading the charge in fixed broadband subscriptions. Fresh data shows Safaricom holding a commanding 34.3% of the market, with Jamii Telecom close behind at 20.6%, and Wananchi grabbing 12.7%. This trio is powering Kenya’s digital revolution, connecting homes and businesses in a country where fast internet is becoming as essential as electricity. For businesses, this signals a vibrant market ripe for partnerships and innovation.Kenya’s appetite for connectivity is soaring. By mid-2025, fixed internet subscriptions hit 223,296, a 2.8% jump from the previous quarter. Fiber-optic connections, which deliver lightning-fast speeds, make up nearly 70% of these, showing Kenyans are hungry for reliable, high-quality internet.

Safaricom, already a household name for mobile services, has cemented its dominance by expanding fiber-to-the-home and business solutions. Its 76,492 subscriptions reflect a knack for blending affordability with widespread coverage, even in rural areas. Jamii Telecom, with 45,948 subscriptions, is a fierce competitor, known for its Faiba brand that delivers budget-friendly, high-speed options. Wananchi, holding 28,305 subscriptions, thrives through its Zuku brand, offering bundled TV and internet packages that appeal to urban households.Why does this matter? Kenya’s digital economy is exploding—think e-commerce, online learning, and remote work.

Fixed broadband is the backbone, enabling everything from small startups streaming virtual meetings to families binge-watching shows. The growth isn’t just in numbers; it’s about impact. Fiber connections rose by 3.7% to 154,575, driven by demand for seamless video calls and cloud services. Meanwhile, fixed wireless subscriptions grew modestly to 62,496, showing flexibility for areas where laying cables is tricky. This mix keeps Kenya’s internet market dynamic, with room for different players to shine.Safaricom’s edge comes from its massive infrastructure and brand trust. It’s not just about home internet; its enterprise solutions are linking businesses to global markets. Jamii Telecom, though, is the scrappy challenger, gaining ground with competitive pricing and a focus on urban centers. Wananchi’s strength lies in its all-in-one packages, blending entertainment with connectivity—a smart play in a country where streaming is a family affair. Together, these companies are setting the pace, but smaller players like Poa Internet, with 7.7% of the market, are nipping at their heels, proving there’s space for new ideas.For businesses, Kenya’s broadband boom is a goldmine.

Fast internet fuels digital transformation—retailers can scale online shops, schools can offer virtual classes, and farmers can access market data in real time. But it’s not just local firms that should take note. Global tech companies eyeing Africa see Kenya as a gateway, with its tech-savvy youth and growing middle class. The challenge? Keeping up with demand while ensuring affordability. Data shows 95% of fixed subscriptions are residential, so providers must balance quality with prices that don’t shut out low-income users.The rise in subscriptions also hints at Kenya’s role as East Africa’s tech hub. With mobile data subscriptions at 29.6 million and mobile penetration at 61.3%, the country’s digital foundation is solid. Fixed broadband, though smaller, is critical for heavy-duty tasks like cloud computing and smart-city projects.

As Kenya pushes for universal internet access, companies that innovate—whether through cheaper plans or rural expansion—will win big.This snapshot of Kenya’s broadband market is a wake-up call for businesses. The leaders are set, but the race is far from over. With connectivity driving progress, now’s the time to plug into Kenya’s digital future.