Safaricom PLC (NSE: SCOM) has announced a 25 per cent discount on all new fibre connections for businesses located within fibre-ready buildings, an offer that will run for the next two months. The announcement came during the Nairobi edition of the “Grow with Safaricom Business Forum,” which was held under the theme “Fuelling Financial Growth through Innovation.”
The forum, designed to equip entrepreneurs with affordable finance, digitisation tools, and enhanced market access, brought together a diverse range of small and medium-sized enterprises from the city’s vibrant business ecosystem. Addressing the gathering, Frankline Okata, Acting Chief Enterprise Business Officer at Safaricom Business, said the initiative was intended to give MSMEs “the fastest, most reliable internet that matches their ambitions.”
The discount is part of Safaricom’s broader strategy to support small businesses in overcoming structural challenges. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that more than 70 per cent of small businesses fail within their first three years, largely due to cash flow constraints and limited market access. Safaricom hopes that faster, more affordable internet, coupled with its recently introduced credit solutions based on transaction history and real-time performance, will help improve business resilience.
While Safaricom is widely recognised for its broad fibre coverage and reliability—serving over 600,000 subscribers—it operates in an increasingly competitive market. Faiba, offered by Jamii Telecommunications, has gained a following for its combination of high speeds and competitive pricing, with business packages ranging from KES 10,000 to KES 25,000 for speeds of 15 Mbps to 40 Mbps. Zuku, operated by Wananchi Group, offers bundles that combine internet, television, and voice services, making it attractive to startups and small enterprises seeking value for money.
Niche operators including Poa! Internet, Telkom Kenya, Vilcom, Dimension Data, and Starlink serve specific market segments, from rural areas and residential estates to remote locations requiring satellite coverage.
For businesses in fibre-ready buildings, Safaricom’s offer provides a timely chance to secure high-speed connectivity at a reduced cost. However, with the discount limited to August and September, enterprises will need to move quickly. Choosing the right provider will still depend on balancing factors such as cost, speed, service reliability, and location-specific availability.