“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 more than 190 travel eSIM providers and over 7, 300 prepaid data plans available for Kenya. With such a wide variety of options, travelers can easily 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, offered by several providers. Truely, Yesim and Roamify each provide unlimited data plans with validity periods ranging from 1 to 30 days; these plans allow tethering but may experience speed throttling during heavy usage. Bloomy eSIM also offers unlimited data for the same validity window, with the caveat that speeds may be reduced; tethering is not specifically listed as allowed. All plans operate on 5G networks and are priced from as low as $7.92 to as high as $721.32 USD, giving travelers a wide range of budget choices. Prices vary by validity duration, data volume beyond unlimited throttling, and any additional features such as tethering.

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, a number of travel eSIM providers sell plans for Kenya that include a phone number and SMS capability. Providers such as GlobaleSIM, JamboSim, Roamify, and RedEx eSIM offer Kenya‑targeted packages; many of these use a foreign dialing code (typically +1) but still provide full inbound and outbound voice and SMS. RedEx eSIM is unique in that it supplies a genuine Kenyan local number with the +254 code, giving travelers a truly local contact number.

The plans vary in size, cost and validity. Data‑only packages start at about $4 for 1 GB over 7 days, while larger bundles can cost from roughly $20 to $38 for 15–30 GB over 30 days. Telephony features include inbound or outbound calls, SMS, and sometimes tethering, depending on the specific plan. Travelers can choose the offer that best fits their duration of stay and service needs.

Summarized by AI, Last updated: Sep 14, 2026