“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 150 travel eSIM providers and more than 5, 100 prepaid data plans available for use in Kenya, and with more than 5, 100 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?

Unlimited data eSIM options are available for Kenya across three major providers. Truely, Yesim, and Roamify offer unlimited data packages that last between one and thirty days. All three plans support tethering but the available speeds can be throttled after certain thresholds. Prices vary from around seven dollars to over two hundred dollars, giving travelers a range to choose from based on how long they need connectivity and how much data they expect to use.

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 provide a phone number and SMS service for Kenya are available from several providers. For example, Airhub offers plans that include an inbound/outbound local Kenya number (dialing code +254) with 15 GB or 30 GB of data for 30 days, while RedEx eSIM also supplies a local +254 number with 15 GB or 25 GB data for 30 days. Other providers such as GlobaleSIM, JamboSim, ESIM.DOG and Roamify offer Kenya‑targeted eSIMs that include inbound/outbound phone and SMS capabilities, but their phone numbers carry foreign dialing codes—normally +1, the U.S. code, or +33 and +44 for Europe—so they provide foreign numbers rather than local Kenyan ones. Prices for these plans start around $4 for 1 GB on a 7‑day validity and extend up to roughly $90 for a 10 GB plan valid for 180 days, with validity options ranging from a single day to a full year.

Summarized by AI, Last updated: Jun 23, 2026