“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?

Yes, several eSIM providers offer unlimited data plans for the Kenyan market. Providers such as Truely, Yesim, Roamify and abesteSIM all supply worldwide coverage that includes Kenya, and each offers a range of unlimited options with validity periods from one to thirty days. While the data is technically unlimited, some plans specify that speed may be throttled after a certain usage threshold, so data speed could decrease during high‑usage periods. The prices for these unlimited plans vary widely, generally speaking they start around $8 USD and can rise to over $330 USD depending on the provider, validity length and added features such as tethering. Choosing a plan that matches your anticipated data consumption will help ensure a smooth, uninterrupted online experience during your trip.

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 include a phone number and SMS functionality are available for Kenya from several international providers. The options that support inbound and outbound SMS are offered by ESIM.DOG, Roamify, EtravelSIM, Orange Travel, Airhub, and RedEx. Providers that issue a local Kenyan number (+254) are Airhub and RedEx; the other services supply foreign numbers such as +1 (the United States), +33 (France), and +44 (the United Kingdom). All of these plans allow outbound calls and SMS and range in price from about $8.60 for ESIM.DOG’s 1 GB 7‑day package to roughly $105.00 for Roamify’s 20 GB year‑long option, while validity periods vary from a week to a year. Travelers wishing to have a Kenyan phone number may prefer Airhub or RedEx, whereas those who do not need a local code can choose from the remaining providers.

Summarized by AI, Last updated: Jul 21, 2026