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.

Dec 22, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

How many travel eSIM brands (providers) are available for use in Kenya, and how many prepaid data plans are there?

There are roughly 110 travel eSIM providers and more than 2, 600 prepaid data plans available for Kenya. With such 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?

Countries such as Kenya have unlimited data eSIM offerings from several providers. Truely, Roamify, Yesim and Yoho Mobile all offer plans where data usage is uncapped, though speeds may be throttled after a certain amount of traffic or in high‑density areas. The price of these unlimited plans varies considerably, generally ranging from under ten dollars for short‑term buyer‑choice packages to several hundred dollars for longer‑validity or premium options. If unlimited data is not critical, travelers can estimate their usage by considering activities such as streaming, social media, and navigation, and then choose a plan that comfortably exceeds that estimate to avoid unexpected throttling.

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 provide a phone number and SMS are available for use in Kenya. Providers such as GlobaleSIM, Roamify, and MoreMins eSIM offer these plans. Each plan includes voice and SMS capability, but the numbers are not local Kenyan (+254) numbers; they use international dialing codes, most commonly +1 (U.S./Canada) with some options using +33 (France) or +44 (UK). The plans cover a range of data sizes, from 1 GB to 25 GB, and validity periods from 7 days to 365 days, with prices beginning at about $4 for very short‑term plans and climbing to around $105 for long‑term global plans that include up to 20 GB of data and 200 calls and SMS.

Because the eSIMs rely on the carrier’s international number, inbound and outbound voice calls and SMS are possible within the coverage of the provider’s network, which includes 4G in Kenya. Travelers who require a strictly local Kenyan number can use data‑only eSIMs and connect via VoIP or messaging apps, but those willing to use an international number have flexible data options and can stay connected during their stay.

Summarized by Gen AI. Last updated: January 23, 2026