Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has officially resumed accepting new customer subscriptions in Nairobi and surrounding counties in Kenya, following a seven-month suspension that began in November 2024.
The freeze affected high-demand regions including Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, and Murang’a. According to Starlink, the pause was necessary due to a network capacity imbalance caused by a surge in user demand that exceeded the system’s ability to maintain optimal service quality.
In a statement, the company explained that the temporary halt allowed it to focus on infrastructure upgrades to support the growing number of users. A key milestone in this effort was the launch of Starlink’s second African ground station — or Point of Presence (PoP) — in Nairobi in January 2025. This development significantly boosted the network’s capacity and reduced latency for users across Kenya.
Prior to this, Starlink’s only African PoP was located in Nigeria, which limited its ability to provide robust coverage across the continent. The addition of the Nairobi PoP has not only enhanced service reliability in Kenya but also positioned the country as a strategic hub for Starlink’s regional expansion.
Since its entry into the Kenyan market, Starlink has seen rapid adoption, particularly in underserved rural areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is either limited or non-existent. The high demand reflects a growing appetite for reliable, high-speed internet across the country, especially in regions where connectivity has historically been a challenge.
With the resumption of new sign-ups, Starlink is expected to continue expanding its footprint in Kenya, offering more households and businesses access to fast, low-latency internet — a critical enabler for digital inclusion and economic growth.
