Starlink Is Losing Subscribers in Once-Thriving Kenyan Market

Some Kenyans turned to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite communications service after the government tried to restrict access to the internet during last year’s protests that left more than 60 dead. Anti-government demonstrations returned in June. This time, though, Starlink’s appeal has faded.

Those who purchased the service may have thought it could help bypass government control over internet access because satellite internet is less susceptible to terrestrial infrastructure disruptions like cable cuts.

However, Starlink’s high costs and slow speeds have deterred many users, said Chris Orwa, a Nairobi-based data analyst who purchased the service after the shutdown.

“People ...