Safaricom has unveiled a revamped 5G for Business service designed to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with faster and more affordable internet connectivity. The launch, announced in Kisumu during the ‘Grow with Safaricom Business’ Western Kenya edition, hopes to dramatically improve digital capabilities for businesses across the region.
The new 5G plans offer significant speed improvements at competitive prices. Businesses can now access internet speeds five times faster than previous offerings, with plans ranging from 50 Mbps to 250 Mbps. Pricing starts at Ksh. 4,000 for the entry-level plan, scaling up to Ksh. 10,000 for the highest-speed option.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa stressed the strategic importance of the upgrade, saying, “The new 5G for Business will ensure that SMEs can access enterprise-grade internet performance without stretching their budgets. This will empower them to enhance productivity, improve customer interactions, and scale operations efficiently in today’s increasingly connected marketplace.”
The timing of the launch is very important given Kenya’s SME landscape. According to the Kenya Institute of Public Policy, Research and Analysis, the country has over 7.4 million micro, small, and medium enterprises. These businesses employ approximately 14.9 million Kenyans and contribute 30% of the national GDP.
To incentivize adoption, Safaricom is offering a 25% discount on all 5G plans for businesses signing up between November 29 and December 31. This promotional period will likely encourage SMEs to upgrade their digital infrastructure and leverage advanced connectivity.
The network upgrade aligns with Safaricom’s larger mission of digital transformation. The company, which serves over 45.9 million customers, has been instrumental in driving technological innovation in East Africa. Its mobile payment system, M-PESA, has already pushed financial inclusion to 83.7% of the adult population.
Businesses interested in the new 5G plans can contact Safaricom directly or visit their local business center for more information.
