“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 about 130 eSIM brands and more than 3, 800 prepaid data plans; the wide variety of options makes it easy for travelers to find an eSIM that suits their needs.

Are there any unlimited data eSIM plans available for Kenya?

Unlimited data eSIM plans for Kenya are offered by several providers, including Truely, Roamify, Yesim, and Yoho Mobile. These plans typically cover validity periods ranging from one to thirty days, with Roamify’s plans capped at fifteen days. The price range across these providers spans from about seven dollars to over four hundred dollars; for example, Truely offers plans starting around eight dollars while Yoho Mobile’s top-tier plans can cost close to five hundred dollars. All of the unlimited offerings allow tethering, but most note that data speeds may be throttled, and Yoho Mobile specifically imposes a speed limit of five megabits per second. Travelers should review the specific validity and speed conditions when selecting a plan that best matches their 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?

Yes, travel eSIMs that include a phone number and SMS capability are available when visiting Kenya. The options come from a variety of providers, including GlobaleSIM, Roamify, Orange Travel, LinkeSIM, Earth Esim, MoreMins eSIM, and TravelKon. These plans provide numbers that use foreign dialing codes – either +1, +33 or +44 – so the assigned numbers are not local Kenyan numbers. Each plan offers inbound voice and SMS services, and most also allow outbound voice and SMS; inbound and outbound voice is standard across the selections. Prices begin at roughly $4.00 USD for a 1 GB, 7‑day, inbound‑only service and can rise above $60.00 USD for larger data bundles, such as 15 GB or 25 GB, that are valid for up to 30 days or longer.

Summarized by AI, Last updated: Apr 20, 2026