Poa Internet, Kenya’s fastest-growing internet service provider, has secured a $4 million debt investment from Finnfund, a Finnish development financier, in a move set to supercharge its mission of bringing affordable broadband to underserved communities across the country. That’s worth about KES 516.8 million in funding today.
As of March 2025, Poa Internet commanded 261,491 subscribers (14.1%), up from 238,030 in December 2024, reflecting its rapid rise in a market long dominated by Safaricom and Zuku. Much of this growth stems from its community-first approach, rolling out in low-income neighborhoods often neglected by bigger players. Now, with Finnfund’s backing, Poa Internet is poised to take its impact to the next level.
Why This Matters
Internet access remains one of Kenya’s biggest development challenges. According to recent data, only 0.6% of rural homes have fixed internet connections. And while smartphone financing models are making devices more affordable, reliable connectivity remains out of reach for millions. The Communications Authority (CA) itself has flagged this as a critical barrier and launched strategies to expand coverage in underserved communities.
Against this backdrop, Finnfund’s investment comes at a crucial time. “Improving digital connectivity through affordable broadband internet supports economic growth and enables inclusive access to remote work, financial services, education, healthcare, and small businesses,” says Kelvin Kiiru, Investment Associate at Finnfund.
Poa’s Model: Community First, Affordable Always
Unlike the likes of Safaricom, Zuku and Faiba that focus on middle-to-high income estates, Poa Internet has positioned itself as a budget-friendly ISP, providing unlimited home internet for as little as KES 1,575 per month or KES 450 per week. Its rollout strategy prioritizes areas often overlooked by bigger providers, from Nairobi’s Kawangware and Kibera to Kisumu’s Obunga and Manyatta, proving that connectivity can be transformative in informal and low-income settings.
Earlier this year, the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, and his spouse visited Kawangware to witness firsthand how Poa is empowering communities through connectivity. With Nokia as its preferred fibre technology partner, the company is betting big on sustainable, scalable infrastructure.
What Will the $4M Investment Achieve?
The Finnfund deal is more than just capital. It’s a statement of intent. With this financing, Poa Internet aims to:
- Expand its fibre network deeper into underserved neighborhoods.
- Increase affordability and reach, scaling its already low-cost model to more households.
- Enhance digital inclusion, enabling access to e-learning, telemedicine, e-commerce, and remote work opportunities.
- Empower small businesses to connect with global markets.
This aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which emphasizes human-centered digitalisation. As Henriette Geiger, EU Ambassador to Kenya, put it: “This investment proves that human-centred digitalisation is not just a vision, but a reality—one that empowers people, creates opportunities, and strengthens social inclusion.”
Despite its rapid rise, Poa faces a tricky regulatory landscape. The CAK’s recent crackdown on estate ISP monopolies could complicate its expansion model. Whether Poa can sustain its pace while navigating these hurdles remains to be seen.
Kenya’s digital future depends on bold models that prioritize inclusion over profits. For a country where millions remain offline, bridging the digital divide is not just about business. It’s about national development, opportunity, and empowerment.
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