SpaceX’s Starlink continues to broaden its satellite internet reach in Africa, officially launching in Lesotho and resuming service sign-ups in Nairobi, Kenya, providing high-speed, low-latency broadband across underserved regions of the continent.
Starlink Goes Live in Lesotho
As we previously report, Lesotho was granted Starlink a 10-year operating license, making it the country’s first satellite internet provider. The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) approved the license on April 14, 2025, following a year-long regulatory review and the restructuring of its telecom framework to support low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology.
Over the weekend Starlink announced the official launch of the service, where customers can purchase a standard Starlink hardware kit for ZAR 7,400 (US$410.80), with a monthly subscription cost of ZAR 950 (US$52.70). A more affordable “Minikit” is also being introduced for ZAR 3,800 (US$210.95), aimed at low-income households.
However, the launch has faced some domestic criticism. Leading telecom operator Vodacom Lesotho and local civil society organizations have raised concerns over the lack of local ownership in Starlink’s operations. Critics argue that the government should have mandated local equity participation to promote domestic investment and regulatory fairness.
Starlink Resumes Sign-Ups in Nairobi After 7-Month Suspension
Meanwhile, in Kenya, Starlink has reopened new user sign-ups in Nairobi and surrounding counties after a seven-month pause caused by overwhelming demand and bandwidth congestion. Service was previously halted in November 2024 due to capacity issues affecting users in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, and Murang’a.
According to Starlink representatives and local retailers, network stability has improved thanks to the activation of a new ground station in Nairobi earlier this year. The company is now “back to full capacity,” and users across the country have resumed installations and activations. (via CIO Africa)
Starlink remains one of the few high-speed internet options in Kenya’s remote and peri-urban areas, where traditional fibre and mobile networks often fall short. Despite its relatively high costs—KES 30,000 (US$232) for equipment and KES 6,500 (US$50) monthly—the service has gained popularity among rural homes, schools, and businesses.
Starlink had more than 19,000 users in Kenya by the end of 2024, making it the country’s seventh-largest internet service provider.
A Growing Presence Across Africa
With Lesotho joining over 18 African countries already served by Starlink—including Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Somalia—SpaceX continues to solidify its presence on the continent. While regulatory challenges persist in countries like South Africa, where ownership laws have blocked formal entry, Starlink’s expanding coverage is rapidly changing the connectivity landscape for millions.
