Airtel extends 5G network to 39 counties in Kenya – Techpoint Africa

• Airtel Kenya has expanded its 5G network to cover 39 counties and 285 wards, with over 690 operational sites, owing to an increase in 5G network users in the country.

• The telco intends to launch another 1000 sites by the end of the year, bringing the total number of 5G sites to 1690. 

• According to Communication Authority data, the number of 5G network users in the country increased to 509,737 in the three months leading up to September 2023, a 13.3% increase, or 59,943 users more than the 449,794 in June of that year. 

Airtel Kenya’s Managing Director, Ashish Malhotra, stated that the company is motivated by the market’s response to its services, which has strengthened its commitment to promoting digital inclusion.

“We are confident that our ongoing network expansion will enable us to extend connectivity to more communities nationwide, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution,” he added. 

Airtel announced the launch of its 5G service at over 370 sites across Kenya in July 2023, stating that the 5G network will transform several sectors, including smart cities, education, healthcare, agritech, transportation systems, and entertainment, among others.

In August, Airtel Kenya revealed plans to invest over $150 million (KSh21.5 billion) over three years to expand its network coverage. It also revealed plans to add 100 5G sites to its network in November.  

In recent years, the country has seen a significant increase in the adoption of 5G technology. Safaricom launched the country’s first 5G service in October 2022, nearly a year after testing, and expanded its 5G network to 35 counties in November 2023.  

Equitel, a mobile virtual network operator, partnered with Airtel in February 2024 to launch 5G in the country, becoming Africa’s first mobile virtual network operator to offer 5G services.  

At the beginning of 2024, the country had 22.71 million Internet users, with penetration rate of 40.8%. According to Globalmonitor, the Kenyan telecom market has grown significantly in recent years and is expected to grow further by 2025. The increase is attributed to a growing population, improved communication services, and increased smartphone adoption.