Kuiper, Amazon’s satellite internet project, is looking to expand its footprint in Africa, with Kenya next on its radar following its recent approval in Nigeria.
The company has applied to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) for a Network Facilities Provider (NFP) Tier 2 licence. If granted, the licence would allow Kuiper through its local unit, Amazon Kuiper Kenya Limited to build and operate telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
The move comes just months after a major breakthrough in Nigeria. In January 2026, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) granted Kuiper a seven-year licence covering satellite transmission, internet services, and international data gateway operations. While services are yet to go live, the approval marked a significant step in Amazon’s African ambitions.
Kenya could now serve as another key entry point. Under the country’s licensing framework, a Tier 2 permit allows companies to build critical telecom infrastructure such as fibre networks, towers, and satellite-linked ground stations across all 47 counties. However, operators must apply for radio frequency spectrum in specific locations rather than receiving a single nationwide allocation.
For Amazon, this means it can roll out a mix of fibre backhaul and satellite infrastructure nationwide, though spectrum access would still be location-specific. The licence is valid for 15 years and comes with an upfront fee of KES 15 million ($115,000), alongside an annual levy of 0.4% of gross turnover.
There are also local ownership requirements. Kenyan regulations mandate that at least 30% of a licensee’s equity be held by citizens, although foreign firms are typically given a three-year window to comply. Applicants must also set up a local entity, present a rollout plan, and meet tax obligations.
Amazon’s planned entry comes as satellite internet gains traction in Kenya. SpaceX’s Starlink has already established a presence, becoming the country’s eighth-largest internet service provider with over 22,000 subscribers as of December 2025.
While its overall market share remains relatively small, Starlink dominates the high-speed segment, accounting for more than half of connections exceeding 100 Mbps. Its growth has been driven in part by flexible pricing models, including instalment plans and hardware rentals that make the service more accessible to households and small businesses.
If approved, Kuiper’s entry would intensify competition not just among satellite providers, but also with established players like Safaricom and Jamii Telecommunications, which currently dominate Kenya’s broadband market.
In its notice, the CAK noted that the licence application could have implications for the public, local authorities, and businesses, as it reviews the potential impact of Amazon’s expansion into the country’s telecoms sector.
