“Used Voye while traveling in africa, had bad experience regarding the roaming operators, connectivity, speed, etc, comparing to other travel companions that used other esims with similar prices.”

F15

Dec 22, 2024

Kenya Travel eSIM FAQ

Everything you need to know about using eSIMs in Kenya

How many travel eSIM brands (providers) are available for use in Kenya, and how many prepaid data plans are there?

Kenya offers around 170 travel eSIM providers and more than 5, 400 prepaid data plans. With a wide variety of plan options, travelers can easily find an eSIM that fits their needs.

Are there any unlimited data eSIM plans available for Kenya?

Unlimited data eSIM plans for Kenya are offered by several providers. Truely, Yesim, and Roamify all provide unlimited data options that last between one and thirty days, depending on the specific plan. The networks are 5 G, and all three providers allow tethering; however, speeds may be throttled after a certain amount of data is used. The price range for these unlimited plans spans roughly from $7.92 to $268.29 USD, making it possible to choose a plan that fits both budget and usage needs.

What are the major mobile networks available for a travel eSIM in Kenya?

Kenya's mobile network infrastructure is primarily supported by the following major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs):

Safaricom: The largest mobile operator in Kenya, offering extensive voice, data, and mobile financial services through its M-Pesa platform.
Airtel Kenya: A subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, providing competitive voice and data services with a focus on expanding 4G network coverage.
Telkom Kenya: Partially owned by the Kenyan government and private investors, offering mobile voice and data services, as well as broadband and fixed-line services.
Faiba 4G (Jamii Telecommunications Limited): Focuses on providing high-speed 4G data services, catering to data-centric users with affordable packages.

In addition to these MNOs, Kenya has Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that offer mobile services by leasing access from major carriers. For example, Equitel, an MVNO under Finserve, operates on Airtel Kenya's network and has recently launched 5G services, marking a significant milestone in the region. However, it's important to note that most travel eSIMs rely on the infrastructure of MNOs rather than MVNOs.

Can I get a travel eSIM with a phone number and SMS for Kenya?

Travel eSIMs that provide a phone number and SMS capability while you are in Kenya are available from several vendors. The lowest‑priced options are from GlobaleSIM, ESIM.DOG, JamboSim, Airhub, Orange Travel and RedEx eSIM. These plans cover a range of data limits, from 1 GB up to 30 GB, and validity periods from 7 days to 30 days, with prices starting at about $4.00 USD and rising to roughly $35.00 USD.

All of the listed providers offer inbound and outbound voice, and most also support inbound and outbound SMS. The phone numbers used in these plans are either local Kenyan numbers (dialing code +254, as with Airhub and RedEx eSIM) or foreign numbers (dialing code +1, as with GlobaleSIM, ESIM.DOG and JamboSim, and code +33, as with Orange Travel). This means you can receive and send calls and texts during your stay in Kenya, with the choice between local and international numbers depending on the provider you select.

Summarized by AI, Last updated: Jul 16, 2026