“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 210 travel eSIM providers and more than 8300 prepaid data plans available for Kenya, offering a wide variety of options that make it easy for travelers to find an eSIM that suits their needs.

Are there any unlimited data eSIM plans available for Kenya?

Yes, there are unlimited data eSIM plans for Kenya offered by several providers. Earth Esim, Yesim, Roamify and ASIMGO all provide unlimited data, with validity periods ranging from one to thirty days (Earth Esim offers up to fifteen days). These plans support 5G connectivity and allow tethering, but speed throttling is common: Earth Esim caps speed at 1 Mbps, ASIMGO at 5 Mbps, while Yesim and Roamify note that speed may be throttled without a specified limit. The price range for these unlimited plans spans from approximately $4.99 to $268.29 USD, letting travelers choose a plan that matches their budget and data usage expectations.

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?

Travel eSIMs that provide a phone number and SMS for use in Kenya are available from several providers. The most economical options begin with GlobaleSIM ($4.00 USD for 1 GB, 7 days), followed by JamboSim, ESIM.DOG, Esimtofly, LineCast Networks, Airhub, and others. These plans all include voice call and SMS capability; voice is generally inbound‑outbound, while SMS can be inbound, outbound, or both depending on the specific package. Some plans supply a local Kenyan number (dialing code +254), such as the RedEx eSIM or certain Airhub eSIMs, while most use foreign numbers with dialing codes +1 (United States), +33 (France), or +44 (United Kingdom), which still function for calls and messages within Kenya.

Prices and validity vary widely. Packages start at about $4.00 USD for a short‑term 1 GB plan and extend to more than $90 USD for a 10 GB plan valid for 180 days or longer. Validity periods span from 7 days up to 365 days. If a local Kenyan number is essential, choose a plan that explicitly lists dialing code +254; otherwise, any of the foreign‑dial‑code options will allow you to receive and send SMS and place calls while traveling in Kenya.

Summarized by AI, Last updated: Oct 5, 2026