5G build-out continues apace: commercial services were launched in the country just a year ago
A number of local media sources report that Airtel Kenya and Safaricom have both announced their plans to expand 5G coverage to 35 of Kenya’s 47 counties.
Peter Ndegwa, President and CEO of Safaricom, said, “By increasing 5G coverage, we are enhancing Kenya’s best internet network and empowering our customers to start exploring the possibilities of 5G.” Safaricom is Kenya’s largest mobile operator and its commercial 5G services began in October 2022.
Towns in the counties of Bomet, Busia, Isiolo, Kitui, Mandera, Migori, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Homa Bay, West Pokot, Embu, Kirinyaga, Muranga, and Turkana have recently gained coverage.
Safaricom already offered 5G coverage in the counties of Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Garissa, Kajiado, Kisii, Machakos, Kakamega, Kilifi, Siaya, Kericho, Kwale, Laikipia, Marsabit, Meru, Narok, Nyeri, and Vihiga.
Safaricom is to build 150 more 5G sites in nine towns over the next year.
Airtel’s plans
Airtel launched its commercial 5G service in July this year and announced plans to build 100 more 5G sites around the country before the end of the year to bring coverage to 221 wards and 32 counties. Currently its coverage is across 370 5G sites in 180 wards and 16 counties.
By the end of 2023, the plan is that Airtel’s 5G footprint will include: Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Machakos, Kisumu, Kilifi, Kajiado, Kwale, Kakamega, Bomet, Embu, Homabay, Kericho, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Busia, Garissa, Migori, Bungoma, Muranga, Kisii, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Nyamira, Nyeri, Siaya and Nyandarua.