Airtel Kenya has made remarkable progress in expanding its 5G network, now reaching 39 counties and 285 wards nationwide. With over 690 operational 5G sites, the telecommunications company is meeting the growing demand for high-speed connectivity among Kenyan users.
Responding to the market’s enthusiasm, Airtel Kenya plans to launch an additional 1,000 5G sites by the end of the year, aiming for a total of 1,690 sites. This ambitious expansion reflects the company’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion across the country.
The surge in 5G adoption is highlighted by recent statistics from the Communications Authority of Kenya. In the three months leading up to September 2023, the number of 5G users increased by 13.3%, from 449,794 in June to 509,737, adding 59,943 new users.
Ashish Malhotra, Managing Director of Airtel Kenya, shared the company’s vision behind the expansion. “We are confident that our ongoing network expansion will enable us to extend connectivity to more communities nationwide, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.”
Airtel Kenya’s 5G service, launched in July 2023 with over 370 sites, aims to transform various sectors, including smart cities, education, healthcare, agritech, transportation, and entertainment. In August 2023, Airtel announced plans to invest over $150 million (KSh21.5 billion) over three years to enhance its network coverage further. Additionally, in November, the telco revealed its intention to add 100 more 5G sites.
Kenya has seen significant uptake in 5G technology recently. Safaricom, the country’s leading telecom provider, launched Kenya’s first 5G service in October 2022, expanding to 35 counties by November 2023. In February 2024, Equitel, a mobile virtual network operator, partnered with Airtel to launch 5G services, becoming Africa’s first MVNO to offer 5G connectivity.
At the start of 2024, Kenya had 22.71 million internet users, with a penetration rate of 40.8%. According to Globalmonitor, the Kenyan telecom market has grown significantly and is projected to expand further by 2025, driven by a growing population, improved communication services, and increased smartphone adoption.
Airtel Kenya’s nationwide 5G rollout underscores the company’s dedication to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all Kenyans can access the transformative benefits of advanced connectivity technology.
