Atwoli Highlights Benefits of Starlink in Kenya

By Robert Mutasi 

The Kenyan government welcomed the introduction of Starlink by SpaceX, with Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli describing it as a "great innovation" that will benefit Kenyan workers immensely.

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX that aims to provide high-speed broadband internet access to rural and remote areas around the world. 

The service is expected to be launched in Kenya soon, and it is expected to revolutionize internet connectivity in the country.

Atwoli said that the introduction of any technology is meant to make life easier for people, and that is why COTU supported the introduction of Mpesa, which is now a global product. 

He added that Starlink will be a great boon to Kenyan workers, as it will allow them to connect to the internet from anywhere in the country.

"Kenyan workers will benefit immensely from the great innovation, Starlink, that has been engineered by SpaceX. If anything, the purpose of the introduction of any technology is to make life earsier, and that is why we supported Mpesa, which now a global product," stated Atwoli. 

Kenyans now have the option to rent SpaceX's Starlink satellite Internet service for 1,950 Kenyan Shillings (US$15) per month.

The KES2,700 ($21) one-time activation fee is required of users who wish to rent the Starlink kit, which costs KES45,000 ($350), according to the company.

For customers who own their own Starlink kits, there are separate monthly rental options and monthly Internet service plans.

A 50GB plan costs KES1,300 ($10), and an unlimited package costs KES6,500 ($50). There are 200 Mbit/s speeds available with both plans.

Kenyan customers have previously benefited from lower prices offered by Elon Musk's broadband service provider. The Internet provider unveiled a monthly budget package in June for KES 1,300 ($10). 

Starlink is expected to provide high-speed internet access to millions of Kenyans who currently rely often on the internet to undertake their services. 

The service is also expected to boost the country's education sector, as it will allow students to access online learning resources.

The introduction of Starlink is a major milestone for Kenya, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the country's economy and society.