“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 over 140 travel eSIM brands and over 4, 000 prepaid data plans available for Kenya. With a wide variety of options, travelers can easily find an eSIM that matches their needs.

Are there any unlimited data eSIM plans available for Kenya?

Yes, several eSIM providers offer unlimited data plans for Kenya. Providers such as Truely, Roamify and Yesim each list unlimited data options. These plans typically allow tethering and may include speed throttling after a certain amount of data usage, but the plans still deliver data at the network’s base speed until limits are reached. The price ranges for these unlimited plans vary: Truely offers plans from about $8 to $151, Roamify provides options between $10 and $90, and Yesim has offerings ranging from roughly $12 to $117. Travelers can select the price point that best matches their budget and the length of their stay in Kenya.

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 eSIM plans that include a phone number and SMS functionality are available for Kenya. GlobaleSIM offers a range of Kenya‑labelled eSIMs that provide a voice‑capable number with the foreign dialing code +1; the plans include inbound and outbound voice calls and inbound SMS. Roamify supplies Kenya‑specific eSIMs that give a UK number with the dialing code +44, supporting inbound and outbound voice calls as well as inbound and outbound SMS.

These plans differ in data allowance, validity period and price. GlobaleSIM’s entry‑level 1 GB, 7‑day plan starts at $4, while Roamify’s comparable 1 GB, 7‑day plan is priced around $15. More extensive packages—up to 25 GB for 30 days—can run up to $60. Because the dialing codes are +1 or +44, the numbers are not local Kenyan numbers; when used in Kenya, calls and texts appear as originating from the United States or the United Kingdom, respectively.

Summarized by AI, Last updated: May 13, 2026