Insights At a Glance:
- Safaricom’s Huawei H155-382 and Nokia Gateway 2 5G routers are no longer available on Masoko. Only the Baicells EG3065M remains.
- Safaricom support has acknowledged the limited availability, advising users to check physical outlets or third-party sellers for the other models.
- This shortage seems to be the direct result of the router’s price drop to KES 2,999 and growing 5G coverage countrywide, thus increasing demand.
Safaricom’s 5G routers are becoming a hot commodity real fast. As of today, only one of the three officially listed models is still available via Masoko, the telco’s main e-commerce platform. That model is the Baicells EG3065M, and it might not stay on the shelves for much longer.
I found this out firsthand while shopping around for a replacement to my current Airtel 5G router, which has been letting me down lately especially during nighttime hours. The timing felt perfect. Safaricom had just installed a 5G booster right in my front yard, and I’d been doing a side-by-side comparison of the two services. (You can read my latest take on that here).
So, I went digging on Masoko, expecting to see all three router models Safaricom says it sells: the Baicells EG3065M (with an inbuilt battery), the Huawei H155-382, and the Nokia Gateway 2. But to my surprise, only Baicells showed up as available. The other two were missing.
To confirm, I reached out to Safaricom support on X, and they didn’t sugarcoat it: only the Baicells router is currently in stock. For the Nokia or Huawei units, they suggested checking with Safaricom Shops, dealers, or third-party retailers who might still have some tucked away.
So What’s Causing the Stock Shortage?
Simple: a KES 2,999 price tag and nationwide 5G expansion. Earlier this year, Safaricom slashed the cost of its routers from over KES 25,000 to a fraction of that. The result? A massive uptake, especially in areas now covered by new 5G boosters. Even I nearly joined the shopping frenzy, and judging by the stock situation, I probably should’ve acted faster.
The Baicells router, currently the only one left on Masoko, is arguably the most practical of the three, too. It comes with an inbuilt battery, making it perfect for those moments when electricity pulls a disappearing act. Its indoor design should also make setup a breeze for most users.
What Buyers Should Know
- Only Baicells is in stock on Masoko. If you’re hunting for the Huawei or Nokia versions, try authorized Safaricom shops or third-party sellers like Quickmart.
- All routers are eligible for the KES 2,999 offer, though availability depends on what your nearest shop or dealer still has in storage.
- Demand is clearly rising. The current stock status reflects how popular these routers have become, especially with increasing 5G coverage and growing frustration with rival providers.
When two-thirds of your product lineup disappears from official shelves, it says something. People are buying, and they’re buying fast. If you’re considering joining the Safaricom 5G bandwagon, now’s not the time to second-guess. That last Baicells router on Masoko might just be your best shot. But of course, you can always wait and hope that Safaricom will restock the missing Nokia and Huawei models soon.
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