Overview & Ownership

Airtel Networks Kenya Ltd (Airtel Kenya) is a subsidiary of Airtel Africa, which is majority-owned by Bharti Airtel.

It operates in the telecommunications industry, providing mobile voice, data, SMS, broadband, enterprise services, and mobile money.

The brand launched in Kenya in November 2010 after Bharti Airtel acquired Zain’s Kenyan operations. Before that, it had operated as Kencell, Celtel, and Zain.

Network & Infrastructure

Airtel Kenya covers around 80% of the country.

The company offers 4G network services and continues to invest in expansion.

It has established Points of Presence (PoPs) in Nairobi and maintains IPv4 address ranges.

Services & Products

Mobile Voice & SMS: Both prepaid and postpaid packages.

Mobile Data / Internet: 4G data services across Kenya.

Airtel Money: Mobile-money platform for transfers, payments, and merchant services.

Enterprise Solutions: Products designed for businesses and government organizations.

Branch & Agent Network: More than 2,600 Airtel Money branches nationwide supporting cash in/out and float balancing.

Market Position & Subscriber Base

Airtel Kenya is the second largest mobile operator in the country, after Safaricom.

As of early 2025, it had about 24.5 million active SIM cards, representing strong year-on-year growth.

The company holds roughly 30% of the Kenyan mobile market share.

Financials

Airtel Kenya’s primary business revolves around GSM mobile telecommunications and related services.

Its parent company, Airtel Africa, reports that data and mobile money remain the strongest growth drivers across its markets, including Kenya.

Challenges & Competition

Safaricom remains the dominant player in the Kenyan telecom market, making competition stiff.

Airtel Kenya has previously pursued a merger with Telkom Kenya to strengthen its position, though this has faced regulatory and structural challenges.

The company has also faced consumer complaints and legal disputes related to service quality.

Like other telecoms, it faces high costs of infrastructure expansion, especially in rural areas.