Starlink Halts New Residential Sign-Ups in Seven Kenyan Counties as Network Reaches Capacity

By Meshack Odhiambo

Thousands of Kenyans hoping to switch to Starlink’s satellite internet service will now have to wait after the company suspended new residential customer sign-ups in Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Machakos, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Kwale counties.

The move comes after demand for the service exceeded the network’s current capacity in the affected areas. New residential customers can now only join a waiting list while Starlink works to expand its network and accommodate more users.

The suspension underscores the growing demand for reliable, high-speed internet in Kenya. Over the past year, many households, remote workers, students, and small businesses have turned to Starlink in search of a more stable internet connection, particularly in areas where traditional internet providers have struggled with frequent outages or limited coverage.

For families waiting to connect, the pause is likely to be frustrating. Some had planned to use the service for online learning, remote work, or running digital businesses, only to discover they must now wait until additional network capacity becomes available.

Existing Starlink customers in the affected counties will continue receiving service without interruption.

As demand for internet services continues to grow across the country, Starlink’s decision highlights both the success of satellite broadband in Kenya and the challenge of keeping pace with the rising number of users seeking faster, more reliable, and dependable connectivity.