Safaricom to Introduce Tokenised Wi-Fi and Prepaid Fibre to Expand Internet Access

Safaricom is preparing to introduce tokenised Wi-Fi and prepaid fibre internet services as part of a wider plan to increase broadband access and attract millions of new users in Kenya and Ethiopia.

Speaking on the company’s growth strategy, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said fixed broadband remains the telco’s biggest opportunity over the next five years, especially as internet demand continues to rise across the region.

According to Safaricom, only about 1.2 million Kenyans are currently connected to fixed broadband services, yet the potential market stands at around four million users.

Ndegwa noted that this gap presents massive growth potential, estimating that the fixed broadband segment could expand by up to 50 per cent every year for the next five years without running out of demand.

“The market today is serving just 1.2 million users, which means close to three million people are yet to be connected. This space can comfortably grow at 50 per cent annually over the next five years,” Ndegwa said.

New Payment Models: Daily, Weekly, and Hourly Internet

To reach more customers, Safaricom plans to rethink how internet services are priced and paid for. Instead of relying only on monthly subscriptions, the telco will roll out pay-as-you-go options, allowing users to buy internet access on a daily, weekly, hourly, or monthly basis.

The company says this approach will make internet services more affordable, especially for users who cannot commit to fixed monthly plans.

Safaricom also plans to:

• Expand its fibre optic network

• Roll out 5G-powered fixed wireless access

• Introduce more affordable internet devices

These changes are expected to lower costs and help the company reach millions of new users across different locations.

Focus Shifts to Small and Medium Businesses

Safaricom is also strengthening its enterprise solutions, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

Ndegwa said the company is moving beyond basic connectivity to offer fully integrated digital solutions, combining fixed internet, ICT services, Internet of Things (IoT), and other digital tools that help businesses operate more efficiently.

“Our goal is to move away from selling isolated products and instead provide integrated solutions that deliver real value and meet the everyday needs of businesses and individuals,” he explained.

Safaricom is positioning itself as a key partner in public sector digitisation, working with government institutions to improve service delivery in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and financial services.

The company also sees digital identity systems as a long-term opportunity that could simplify access to services by reducing paperwork and improving efficiency.

According to Ndegwa, Safaricom will continue applying technologies already successful in the private sector while also learning from innovations within government systems.

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