Nairobi and Kiambu Among Seven Counties Affected by Starlink Sign-Up Freeze

Starlink has suspended new residential customer sign-ups in seven Kenyan counties after demand exceeded its network capacity, forcing prospective subscribers to join a waiting list.

The satellite internet provider said the suspension affects Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Machakos, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Kwale, where new residential customers can no longer complete their orders.

Customers attempting to subscribe to Starlink’s residential internet service in the affected counties are met with a notice stating that the service has reached capacity in their area.

“Starlink service is currently at capacity in your area.”

Starlink Says Network Capacity Reached in Seven Kenyan Counties

Instead of completing their purchase, prospective customers can pay a deposit to reserve a place on the waiting list while the company expands its network.

According to Starlink’s website, the company cannot provide an estimated timeframe for when new residential orders will reopen.

It says its teams are working to add more network capacity, but new residential customers in the affected counties will remain on the waiting list until additional capacity becomes available.

“You can still place a deposit now to reserve your spot on the waitlist. We cannot provide an estimated timeframe for service availability, but our teams are working as quickly as possible to add more capacity.”

Also Read: 170 Hospitals in Murang’a to Get Faster Internet in New Starlink Deal

Meanwhile, existing Starlink subscribers are not affected by the suspension and will continue receiving service as the company works to increase capacity to accommodate growing demand.

The move comes amid growing demand for Starlink’s satellite internet service across Kenya, particularly in major urban and rapidly developing counties.

Second Capacity Freeze

This is the second time Starlink has suspended new customer sign-ups in Kenya due to network capacity constraints.

In November 2024, the company froze new residential subscriptions across Nairobi and neighbouring counties after demand overwhelmed its network. The restrictions remained in place for about seven months before they were lifted in June 2025.

During that period, Starlink lost customers and slipped from seventh to eighth among Kenya’s largest internet service providers as rival internet providers absorbed demand that the company was unable to serve.

While the previous suspension was largely limited to Nairobi and neighbouring counties, the latest freeze has expanded to include Mombasa and Kwale as well as Kirinyaga in central Kenya.

Also Read: Starlink Suspends Internet Services for Select Kenyans Following Govt Directive

When Was The Satellite Introduced in Kenya

Starlink launched commercially in Kenya in 2023 and is one of the company’s more established African markets, having received a licence relatively early compared to other countries on the continent.

The firm’s target market is primarily customers who struggle to access the internet through traditional landlines.

The service aims at reaching such customers by using satellite to send signals rather than relying on fiber optic cables.

Since its launch in 2019, the company has launched more than 3000 satellites into low-Earth orbit which have the capacity to provide high-speed internet services of up to 150Mbps.

The company offers several mounting options for the exterior of your home, as well as a Starlink app for Android and iOS operating systems, which uses augmented reality to help customers pick the best location and position for their receivers.

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Collage photo of a starlink internet device and a Mawingu technician. PHOTO/Starlink/Mawingu Networks