On the 5G front, Kenya is still in its early stages, with only a third of Safaricom’s network currently supporting the next-generation standard. Yet the company’s vision is unambiguous: all sites must be 5G-ready by 2029. Early momentum is already visible, with 1.1 million 5G users recorded as of March 2025, signaling a gradual but steady embrace of ultra-fast mobile connectivity across the country. This ambition isn’t just about speed—it’s about laying the foundation for a digital economy where businesses, consumers, and communities can fully participate in an increasingly connected world.

The march toward 5G is anchored by the success of 4G, which now reaches 23 million of Safaricom’s 50 million subscribers. That user base is expanding at a 20 to 30 percent annual growth rate, demonstrating the appetite for faster, more reliable mobile internet. For Safaricom, 4G is not only a stepping stone but also a proving ground. As devices become more affordable and data consumption rises, the groundwork is being laid for a smoother transition to 5G.

Connectivity extends beyond mobile networks. Broadband remains a critical frontier, with only half a million Kenyan premises currently connected. Safaricom is expanding access, targeting another two million premises via fibre or satellite. This effort underscores the company’s ambition to make digital access a nationwide utility rather than a city-centric convenience. Every connected home or business strengthens Kenya’s broader digital ecosystem.

Achieving nationwide 5G readiness by 2029 requires extensive planning. It involves laying new fibre, upgrading existing sites, and constructing additional towers, all while keeping services affordable. Safaricom is approaching this strategically: building infrastructure in parallel with consumer adoption, ensuring the network is ready when demand scales. The early 1.1 million 5G users demonstrate that there is appetite, and the company is preparing the network to meet that demand across Kenya.

The implications of a fully 5G-ready network go far beyond faster downloads or streaming. It enables telemedicine, remote learning, e-commerce, and fintech innovations. With Safaricom pushing both mobile and broadband growth, the country is positioned to expand economic opportunities, digital entrepreneurship, and inclusive access to online services. Every mile of fibre and every 5G-enabled site contributes to a digital economy that can support millions of Kenyans.

Safaricom’s integrated approach—from 4G adoption to fibre deployment and 5G expansion—illustrates a deliberate push toward a fully connected Kenya. While challenges remain, the strategy is clear: expand infrastructure, stimulate adoption, and enable a digital economy where access, innovation, and opportunity can flourish. By 2029, Kenya could not only have faster mobile internet but also a robust platform capable of powering the nation’s digital future.