Operators

Airtel Kenya bags 100 MHz of 3500 MHz spectrum for US$65m

Airtel Kenya bags 100 MHz of 3500 MHz spectrum for US$65m

Airtel Kenya has reportedly acquired 100 MHz of 5G spectrum in the 3500 MHz band for US$65 million after the Communications Authority of Kenya granted it a 25-year licence for the spectrum.

According to various media reports late last week, Airtel Kenya is expected to use the spectrum to boost its network capacity and support expansion of next-gen connectivity services.

According to CA figures, 5G uptake is continuing to grow in Kenya, with 2.1 million subscribers as of June 2026, compared to 1.2 million 5G subscribers a year earlier.

It’s also become a major driver of data traffic in Kenya, averaging 64.4GB per month as of June 2026, compared to 35.2GB per month a year ago. By contrast, 4G data consumption averaged 15.8GB per month as of June this year, compared to 14.1GB per month a year earlier.

That said, 4G subscriptions are still growing, and remain the largest single mobile user base in the country with 48.3 million subscribers.

The CA doesn’t break down 5G subscriptions by operator.

Airtel Kenya launched commercial 5G services in July 2023. Rival telco and market leader Safaricom launched 5G in October 2022.

Airtel Kenya’s 3500-MHz spectrum licence follows the CA’s approval of the telco’s 25-year operating licence this past August.



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