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Safaricom seeks approval for Kenya’s first telco-owned submarine cable

January 28, 2025

Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, Safaricom seeks approval for Kenya’s first telco-owned submarine cable amid rising competition.

They submitted an application to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) seeking authorization to establish and manage the nation’s inaugural undersea internet cable owned by a telecom operator.

This strategic initiative is designed to enhance Safaricom’s capacity to deliver high-speed internet services, bolster connectivity, and lessen reliance on external cable providers.

Presently, Safaricom depends on international bandwidth from providers such as SEACOM, the East African Submarine System (EASSy), the East African Marine System (TEAMS), and Telkom Kenya. Notably, Telkom Kenya possesses landing rights for five submarine cables linked to the country, including SEACOM.

The impetus for Safaricom’s move is partly due to recent network vulnerabilities in the region. In May 2024, significant outages in the EASSy and SEACOM undersea cables led to widespread internet disruptions across East Africa, affecting nations like Kenya and Tanzania.

These events compelled Safaricom to procure additional bandwidth from alternative providers, highlighting the necessity for investment in proprietary infrastructure.

In Kenya, the CA regulates submarine cable landing rights, mandating companies to secure a “Submarine Cable Landing Rights Licence” to operate such infrastructure. Safaricom’s application reflects its aspiration to gain greater control over its international bandwidth resources.

This pursuit of autonomy also mirrors the intensifying competition from satellite internet providers, particularly Elon Musk’s Starlink. Since its Kenyan debut in July 2023, Starlink has disrupted the market by offering high-speed internet services, especially in remote regions.

Starlink in Kenya

Within its first year, Starlink captured a 0.5% share of Kenya’s internet market, amassing over 8,000 subscribers and ranking among the top ten internet service providers in the country.

In response to Starlink’s rapid expansion, Safaricom has advocated for regulatory measures to ensure that satellite providers collaborate with local mobile network operators.

The company contends that such partnerships are essential to guarantee investment in Kenya, compliance with local regulations, and the employment of Kenyan citizens.

Safaricom’s initiative to develop its own submarine cable underscores its dedication to addressing Kenya’s growing demand for dependable, high-speed internet and maintaining its competitive edge in an increasingly digital landscape.

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