“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 130 providers offering more than 3, 700 prepaid data plans in Kenya, giving travelers a wide variety of options to choose from. Whether you need a short‑term connection or longer‑term coverage, the numerous plans make it easy to find an eSIM that matches your travel needs.

Are there any unlimited data eSIM plans available for Kenya?

Truely, Roamify, Yesim and Yoho Mobile all provide unlimited data eSIM plans for travelers in Kenya. These plans typically last from one to thirty days, with Truely and Yesim offering up to thirty days, Roamify up to fifteen days, and Yoho Mobile also up to thirty days. While the data is unlimited, each provider notes that speeds may be throttled, and Yoho Mobile specifically limits speed to 5 Mbps. Prices for these unlimited options vary widely, ranging from about $7.92 USD for the most economical single‑day allocation to over $449.07 USD for the most extensive multi‑day bundle, giving users flexibility based on their budget and data 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, travelers can obtain a travel eSIM that includes a phone number and SMS capability for use while in Kenya. Providers such as GlobaleSIM, Roamify, Earth Esim, Orange Travel, MoreMins eSIM, and TravelKon offer plans that supply inbound SMS and, in many cases, outbound SMS in addition to inbound and outbound voice calls. The phone numbers are assigned with international dialing codes—GlobaleSIM uses +1, while Roamify, Earth Esim, Orange Travel, TravelKon, and MoreMins eSIM use +33 or +44—so they are not local Kenyan numbers with the +254 code.

Price and validity ranges are wide: data allowances run from 1 GB to 51 GB or more, with validity periods spanning from 7 days up to a full year, and prices start around $4.00 for a 1 GB 7‑day plan and exceed $100 for larger data packages such as a 20 GB plan valid for 365 days. Travelers can select a plan that matches their data requirements and need for a phone number with SMS support while visiting Kenya.

Summarized by AI, Last updated: Mar 27, 2026