Kenya’s broadband market is poised for a major shift as new tokenised Wi-Fi and prepaid fibre services are scheduled for rollout in the second half of 2026.
Safaricom, Kenya’s largest mobile operator, will provide these offerings to allow customers to pay for internet connectivity on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, moving away from conventional monthly subscriptions.
The telco said the initiative aims to expand access and affordability by applying flexible pricing structures similar to those used for mobile data bundles that have driven widespread internet adoption across the country.
By enabling time-based internet access, users will connect only when needed, avoiding fixed monthly fees and lowering barriers for households, small businesses, and students with intermittent usage patterns.
The tokenised Wi-Fi service will allow customers to purchase digital tokens granting access for specific time periods.
Prepaid fibre will provide access to fibre broadband without requiring long-term contracts or recurring monthly payments.
Safaricom said these models are intended to reach communities that have remained offline due to cost or the rigidity of existing subscription structures.
Industry analysts project that flexible access options could reshape the market by attracting households and enterprises currently reliant on informal or lower-quality internet providers.
Fixed broadband is central to Safaricom’s strategic growth, according to Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa.
“We have just over 400,000 customers on fixed broadband today, in a market that serves only about 1.2 million. At a national level, the opportunity is closer to four million, leaving roughly three million people still to be connected,” he said.
Ndegwa explained that tokenised and prepaid models will allow users to manage their consumption while maintaining service reliability and quality across the company’s nationwide infrastructure.
He added that the approach leverages Safaricom’s existing network to provide a higher-quality alternative to budget-conscious consumers who currently rely on informal Wi-Fi vendors.
Safaricom’s financial year runs from October to March, placing the rollout window between October 2025 and March 2026.
The company said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to increase penetration in the underserved fixed broadband segment and support national digital inclusion objectives.
Flexible payment options are expected to benefit households with irregular incomes and small enterprises whose connectivity needs vary over time.
The telco stressed that the rollout reflects operational adjustments designed to align with evolving consumer demand rather than promotional campaigns.
By offering daily, weekly, or monthly internet access, Safaricom aims to replicate the success of mobile data bundles in extending connectivity to previously excluded users.
The introduction of token-based and prepaid fibre services is projected to intensify competition with low-cost internet providers in urban and peri-urban areas while broadening access to reliable broadband nationwide.
“This rollout represents a strategic step in expanding Kenya’s digital economy by making fixed broadband more affordable, flexible, and accessible for households and businesses,” Ndegwa said.
The telco noted that its infrastructure and service delivery capacity are positioned to meet anticipated growth in demand while maintaining governance, regulatory compliance, and operational stability.
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