• American billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink entered Kenya in July 2023, offering tough competition in high-end internet services
• In August 2024, Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, Safaricom PLC, wrote to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) requesting regulatory oversight of satellite internet.
• CA revealed that it was seeking help from the United Nations (UN) International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to formulate regulations that would govern satellite internet providers, including Starlink.

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia has over five years of experience in financial matters, businesstechnology and climate, which provides in-depth insight into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Kenya is seeking advice from the United Nations (UN) to develop regulations governing the use of satellite internet in the country.

This followed the entry of Starlink, a satellite broadband Internet offered by American billionaire Elon Musk’s company SpaceX.

Since entering Kenya in July 2023, Starlink has been in fierce competition with existing local companies. internet service providers (ISP), including Safaricom, which uses fiber connections.

Read also

Libya reopens appeal against CAF verdict on airport saga after missing CAN 2025

In August 2024, the first telecommunications company wrote to the Kenya Communications Authority (CA) requesting regulatory monitoring of satellite internet.

CA said it was currently in talks with the UN’s International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to formulate regulations.

According to Business Daily, the regulator revealed the move in response to a complaint filed by a local NGO, Kituo Cha Sheria, regarding Starlink’s internet regulations.

Why Kenya wants to regulate Starlink

Authority stressed the need for regulation regarding Starlink’s cross-border operations and use of Earth-orbiting satellites.

“The urgent consultation and conversation among ITU Member States, including Kenya, to develop a globally harmonized regulatory model for technology, which Member States can then adapt according to their national or municipal circumstances and national interests,” the CA response reads in part.

In its regulatory application, Safaricom urged CA to encourage satellite internet providers to partner with local telecom operators.

Read also

Trump’s victory signals a golden age for the crypto industry

Safaricom also cited security issues arising from Starlink’s cross-border operations.

Defense of Kituo Cha Sheria on Starlink

Kituo Cha Sheria filed a certificate of urgency insisting that Starlink should be allowed to provide satellite internet services in Kenya.

The sequel cited Safaricom and the Communications Authority of Kenya as key respondents, who later agreed to drop preliminary questions.

The judge ordered the parties to file their responses and submissions before the November 25 hearing.

Source: TUKO.co.ke