Satellite internet provider Starlink has significantly improved internet performance in Kenya following major infrastructure upgrades in 2025, including the establishment of a Nairobi-based Point of Presence (PoP) that has reduced latency by more than 80 percent.
According to performance data shared by network monitoring platforms and industry stakeholders, average latency for Kenyan users has dropped to between 28 and 35 milliseconds, marking one of the most dramatic improvements in satellite internet performance recorded in the country.
Latency refers to the time it takes for data to travel from a user’s device to a server and back. Lower latency translates to faster response times, smoother video calls, improved online gaming experiences, and more reliable cloud-based services.
Industry analysts say the new Nairobi PoP has been central to the improvement. Previously, a significant portion of Kenyan traffic routed through international gateways before returning to local users, adding delays.
With a local PoP, traffic is now terminated and routed within Kenya, shortening the data path and cutting response times.
Starlink operates a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites positioned much closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites, which orbit at approximately 36,000 kilometres above the planet.
The lower orbit inherently reduces signal travel time. The addition of local ground infrastructure further enhances efficiency by minimizing international routing detours.
The development comes as Kenya’s digital economy continues to expand, with increased demand for high-speed connectivity across sectors including fintech, education, healthcare, and remote work.
Technology entrepreneurs in Nairobi say the lower latency has improved cloud application performance and real-time collaboration.
In counties where fibre infrastructure remains limited, satellite connectivity is increasingly being used to bridge the digital gap.
Market observers note that the performance gains could intensify competition in Kenya’s broadband sector, traditionally dominated by fibre providers and mobile network operators.
While pricing and capacity considerations continue to influence adoption rates, analysts say the sharp reduction in latency marks a turning point for satellite broadband performance in the Kenyan market.