SpaceX’s Starlink is giving its Kenyan subscribers until May to provide official government identification or face service disconnection.
The move follows a directive from the Kenyan government aimed at tightening telecommunications oversight.
Driving the news
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is pushing for these measures to curb cybercrime and ensure national security.
By forcing satellite providers into the domestic regulatory framework, the government aims to prevent services from operating “outside traditional telecom oversight” during national emergencies.
Why it matters
Starlink has rapidly become a major disruptor in East Africa, offering high-speed internet in remote areas. However, its “independent” status is now being reined in as regulators demand the same Know Your Customer (KYC) accountability required of local giants like Safaricom and Airtel.
The details
- The Deadline: Users must complete verification by April 30, 2026 (with disconnections beginning in May).
- The Requirements: Subscribers must visit authorized retailers with a valid government ID, postal address, and phone number.
- The Tech: A smartphone with the Starlink app is required to link the physical ID to the digital account
By the numbers
- 19,460: Active Starlink users in Kenya as of September 2025.
- #1: Kenya represents Starlink’s highest subscriber count in the region since its 2023 launch.
