Airtel Kenya has solidified its position as a formidable player in the Kenyan telecom market, surpassing 24 million subscribers in the first quarter of the 2024/2025 fiscal year, according to the latest industry data. The company added 3.01 million new SIM card registrations, outpacing rival Safaricom’s 1.7 million, boosting its market share to a record 32.2%, up from 29.2% at the end of 2024.
The telecom giant attributes this 13.95% subscriber growth to its ‘Na Bado Tunagrow’ campaign, which emphasizes network expansion in underserved regions like Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa, alongside enhanced customer service and distribution networks. Airtel Kenya also launched commercial 5G services in June 2025, becoming the second operator after Safaricom to roll out the next-generation network.
Airtel Money Gains Traction
Airtel Money has captured a record 9.1% of Kenya’s mobile money market, up from 7.6% last quarter, with 3.76 million subscribers. The platform’s growth, driven by lower transaction fees, an upgraded system, and promotions like 50% cashback on transactions between KES 50 and KES 500,000, has chipped away at Safaricom’s M-Pesa dominance, which now holds 90.8% of the market. Airtel Money’s agent network, exceeding 110,000 with partners like Naivas, further strengthens its reach.
Infrastructure and Innovation
Airtel Kenya is set to break ground on a 7MW data center in Nairobi under its Nxtra brand, with operations expected by mid-2026. This move aims to bolster connectivity for sectors like smart cities, education, and healthcare. The company’s Smarta Bundles, while praised for value, have faced criticism for their KES 1,000 starting price compared to Safaricom’s KES 500 options.
Challenges Persist
Despite its gains, Airtel Kenya has faced customer complaints over line activation delays and insufficient float at some Airtel Money outlets, with one X post highlighting a Nairobi CBD shop’s struggles. Data privacy concerns have also emerged, with reports of personal data being sold on platforms like Data Kenya Shop.
Industry and Social Impact
Airtel Kenya, alongside other operators, was cautioned by the Kenya Human Rights Commission against internet shutdowns during protests, following a May 2025 court ruling. The company is also part of GSMA-led efforts to advocate for digital reforms, including incentives for local device assembly to improve affordability.
As Airtel Kenya continues to challenge Safaricom’s 63.3% market share, its focus on innovation and expansion signals a dynamic shift in Kenya’s telecom landscape.
