Telco Safaricom launched 5G services more than one year ago. While availability was limited to select towns and cities Kenya, the operator has now boosted access to 35 counties according to a statement shared earlier today. New counties where 5G is now present in select towns include Bomet, Busia, Isiolo, Kitui, Mandera, Migori, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Homa Bay, West Pokot, Embu, Kirinyaga, Muranga and Turkana. They join other counties where Safaricom 5G is present, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Garissa, Kajiado, Kisii, Machakos, Kakamega, Kilifi, Siaya, Kericho, Kwale, Laikipia, Marsabit, Meru, Narok, Nyeri and Vihiga.
In the same spirit, Safaricom has also reduced the price for 5G routers to KES 10,000. These devices were launched last year alongside the product and targeted homes that do not have access to Safaricom’s home broadband service, Home Fibre. Customers could then buy the router at an expensive cost of KES 25,000, and a separate 5G monthly subscription. Just like now, 5G Wi-Fi routers can use their full potential in areas with 5G signals, but they can also connect via 4G.
Here are the new 5G Wi-Fi data volumes and packages, which have been slightly increased:
| Package | Price in KES |
| 400 GB | 3,500 |
| 800 GB | 6,000 |
| 1,500 GB | 10,000 |
Safaricom has also provided 5G data bundles to enable its over 500,000 customers to use 5G smartphones, while new 5G customers can also redeem a free 5GB bundle on my Safaricom App.
“As a digital lifestyle enabler, we are excited about a 5G future, which makes it possible to close the digital divide in underserved communities, provide access to critical services such as healthcare or spur economic growth by connecting small businesses to new opportunities. By increasing 5G coverage, we are enhancing Kenya’s best internet network and empowering our customers to start exploring the possibilities of 5G,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom.
