Safaricom has achieved a significant milestone in its 5G network expansion, surpassing 1,000 sites and reaching all 47 counties in Kenya.
The network now covers 102 towns and 14% of the population. This rapid growth positions Safaricom as a leader in 5G deployment in the country.
The expanded network caters to a growing demand for high-speed internet. Safaricom currently serves over 11,000 enterprise customers and 780,000 active 5G smartphone users on its 5G network.
“Safaricom remains committed to leading Kenya’s digital transformation,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC. “We believe 5G will be a key catalyst for innovation across industries and the Kenyan digital economy.”
Safaricom’s 5G rollout began in October 2022 and has since driven digitization in areas like IoT, cybersecurity, cloud, and payments, optimizing business operations and fostering innovation.
Looking ahead, Safaricom aims to become Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030. The company sees 5G as a game-changer, unlocking possibilities for immersive experiences, gaming, smart warehousing, telemedicine, smart irrigation, and more.
Safaricom also boasts 97% population coverage with 2G, 3G, and 4G services. Additionally, its fibre network has passed over 560,000 homes and businesses, ensuring reliable connectivity and high-speed internet access across Kenya.
Airtel has also made substantial strides in its 5G network, doubling its footprint since June 2023. The network is now accessible in 39 counties and 285 wards, with a total of 690 sites.
Airtel plans to further expand its 5G coverage by launching an additional 1000 sites by the end of the year.
Safaricom offers tailored 5G data bundles and Wi-Fi packages through the MySafaricom App, website, and USSD code, while Airtel provides unlimited 5G plans with varying speeds and requires a dedicated 5G router for the subscription.
