Paratus Kenya Launches to Enhance Starlink Services Amid Growing Demand

Pan-African telecommunications and network services provider, Paratus Group, has announced its expansion into Kenya through a joint venture with Nairobi-based IT and Internet Service Provider (ISP), MoveOn Telecoms Ltd. The newly formed entity, Paratus Kenya, will focus on delivering and installing Starlink services across the country.

This strategic move follows Paratus Group’s designation as an authorized reseller of Starlink’s global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services across Africa in 2023. The launch of Paratus Kenya comes shortly after the inauguration of Paratus Eswatini, underscoring the group’s commitment to enhancing connectivity in sub-equatorial Africa.

MoveOn Telecoms Ltd., licensed since 2015 by the Communications Authority of Kenya, brings extensive experience in ICT solutions, supported by a skilled team providing comprehensive customer and technical support.

Joseph Kibwott, Managing Director of Paratus Kenya, expressed enthusiasm about the joint venture, stating:

"Paratus Kenya is committed to driving economic development and GDP growth by creating jobs both directly and indirectly. Stable and reliable internet connectivity plays a pivotal role in this mission and offers a transformative digital platform that provides access to e-government services, remote work opportunities, real-time security solutions, and telemedicine. Enhanced connectivity in the most remote areas empowers Kenyans and fosters growth in our local economies. Together, we can build a brighter, more connected future for everyone in Kenya."

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, offers high-speed broadband internet through a scalable hardware platform that can be easily deployed globally. Designed to function independently of local infrastructure, Starlink ensures reliable service with over 99.5% uptime across its network, supporting various applications including primary enterprise connectivity, replacement of 4G and VSAT, backup, interim setups, and emergency services.

Martin Cox, Chief Commercial Officer of Paratus Group, highlighted the significance of the expansion, stating:

"By expanding into a key East African territory, we are further strengthening our total network service offering. We can tailor network services packages for any enterprise requiring a fast, robust, and reliable connection in Africa and to the rest of the world. Opening in East Africa has been one of our primary objectives and this is a significant milestone for us as it spearheads our strategy in the region. It’s also a giant step forward in our mission to provide access to connectivity to unserved and underserved African countries south of the equator. We are delighted to be partnering with MoveOn and to install Starlink services in Kenya."

Contextual Insights: Starlink Presence in Kenya

Since its licensing in early 2023, Starlink has rapidly established itself in Kenya’s internet service market. By June 2024, the satellite internet provider had secured over 8,000 subscribers, positioning it as the tenth-largest ISP in the country with a 0.5% market share. This swift growth reflects a significant demand for reliable internet access, particularly in remote and underserved regions where traditional ISPs have faced infrastructure challenges.

However, the surge in demand has led to capacity constraints. In November 2024, Starlink announced a pause on new subscriptions in Nairobi and surrounding areas due to network capacity limitations. The company acknowledged that the existing satellite infrastructure could not accommodate the increasing number of users in urban centers, prompting efforts to enhance capacity and restore access for new customers in the affected regions.

The entry of Paratus Kenya, in collaboration with MoveOn Telecoms, aims to address these challenges by expanding Starlink’s service delivery and installation capabilities. This initiative is expected to bolster Starlink’s infrastructure, enabling it to meet the growing demand and provide reliable internet connectivity across Kenya, including in remote and underserved areas.

As Kenya continues to experience a surge in internet usage, driven by mobile broadband penetration and the expansion of 4G and early 5G networks, the collaboration between Paratus Group and MoveOn Telecoms is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing digital inclusion and supporting economic development through improved connectivity.