Safaricom Public Wi-Fi plans: Prices, validity, and how it works

The battle for internet users in Nairobi is no longer just happening inside homes. Over the past few months, several smaller providers have been aggressively rolling out affordable home internet and public Wi-Fi solutions across the city, giving residents more alternatives beyond the traditional mobile data bundles.

Safaricom appears to have taken notice.

The telco has now introduced Safaricom Public Wi-Fi, a service that allows users to purchase internet access within designated public Wi-Fi zones. Rather than relying on mobile data, customers can simply connect to a nearby Safaricom hotspot and buy a plan that suits their needs. This product comes alongside Safaricom’s Home Fibre Lite plans, which we’ve also highlighted in detail, including how to get connected.

The service is open to anyone with a Wi-Fi-enabled device, making it a potentially attractive option for commuters, students, remote workers, and anyone looking to save on mobile data costs. Unlike home fibre connections, users don’t need to install a router or any additional equipment. As long as you are within a covered location, you can connect to the network and purchase a plan.

Safaricom Public Wi-Fi plans and pricing

Safaricom is offering a range of plans, from short one-hour sessions to a monthly package.

The entry-level KES 10 package could make the service particularly appealing for users who only need temporary internet access while on the move. However, Safaricom doesn’t go into details of the Public Wi-Fi speeds to expect and any throttling, but we’re not ruling out anything.

Will Public Wi-Fi plans renew automatically?

No. Safaricom says Public Wi-Fi plans do not auto-renew once their validity period expires. You’ll need to purchase another plan if you wish to continue using the service. Unfortunately, you cannot use one plan across multiple devices. An active Public Wi-Fi plan can only be used on the single device that was used during login. This means you cannot buy one package and switch between your phones.

The package only works within Safaricom Public Wi-Fi zones. If you move outside a supported hotspot location, you won’t be able to use the service until you reconnect within another eligible zone. However, Safaricom is yet to publish a comprehensive list of all supported locations, but the rollout appears to be targeting high-traffic public areas.

How do you pay for Safaricom Public Wi-Fi?

Payments for Safaricom Public Wi-Fi plans are made through M-PESA STK Push, allowing users to purchase a package directly from the Wi-Fi portal. If you’re having trouble getting online, Safaricom recommends the following steps:

• Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled and that you’ve connected to the Safaricom Public Wi-Fi network.
• Confirm that you have an active Public Wi-Fi plan.
• Make sure you’re using the same device that was used to log into the Wi-Fi portal.
• Turn off Wi-Fi on your device for about 10 seconds, switch it back on, and then try opening a website again.
• If the issue persists, contact Safaricom customer support.

Smaller providers have been carving out a niche with affordable neighbourhood internet packages and public hotspots, challenging the dominance of traditional mobile data. But with plans starting at just KES 10 and stretching all the way to a KES 800 monthly package, Safaricom is clearly positioning Public Wi-Fi as another option for users who want cheaper internet access without committing to a home fibre installation.