“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?

There are about 120 eSIM providers and roughly 3100 prepaid data plans available for travelers in Kenya. With so many plans, there is a wide variety of options, making it easy for travelers to find an eSIM that suits their needs.

Are there any unlimited data eSIM plans available for Kenya?

Kenya has several providers that offer unlimited data eSIM plans. Truely, Roamify, Yesim and Yoho Mobile each offer options with no data cap. All of these plans support 5G networks and allow tethering, though the speed may be throttled; Yoho Mobile adds a specific speed cap of 5 Mbps. The prices differ across providers: Truely runs from $7.92 to $151.07, Roamify from $10.00 to $90.00, Yesim from $11.81 to $116.97, and Yoho Mobile from $15.69 to $449.07. Travelers should compare the validity periods and any speed restrictions to ensure the plan aligns with their internet usage expectations.

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 eSIM plans that include a phone number and support for SMS are available for Kenya. Providers such as GlobaleSIM, Roamify, MoreMins eSIM, and TravelKon offer data‑plus‑voice packages that come with a foreign dialing code – primarily +1, and in a few cases +33 or +44 – and allow inbound and outbound calls as well as two‑way SMS. Because these plans use North American or European numbers, the service does not provide a local Kenya number, so callers in Kenya cannot dial the travel eSIM number from the local dialing code without international charges.

The available packages range from 1GB for $4 USD valid for 7 days to 25GB for $60 USD valid for 30 days, with most items also offering tethering and 5G support where noted. If a local number is preferred, travelers can still rely on data‑only eSIMs and use VoIP services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage for voice and text communication within Kenya.

Summarized by AI, Last updated: Mar 1, 2026