Tokenized Wi-Fi and Pay-As-You-Go Fibre: Safaricom's Next Big Move for Kenyan Internet Users

Telecommunications leader Safaricom has unveiled plans to introduce a tokenised, pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi service in Kenya and Ethiopia, aiming to make fixed broadband accessible to a wider customer base. The new model, expected to launch by late January or early February 2026, will offer internet access via hourly, daily, and weekly tokens, eliminating the need for traditional monthly subscriptions.

The initiative seeks to tap into a market of users who require significant but temporary internet connectivity, such as students, freelancers, and small businesses. By adopting a flexible pricing structure similar to mobile data bundles, Safaricom intends to reach millions of potential customers currently excluded from conventional fixed-line plans due to cost or commitment.

Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa explained that the strategy involves tailoring services to high-demand areas and introducing tiered pricing. “Instead of only monthly plans, customers can opt for hourly, daily, or weekly access. By adjusting our approach to market deployment and customer needs, we can serve an additional three million users in Kenya alone,” Ndegwa stated in a recent briefing.

The service will be available to both households and enterprises, providing an affordable alternative for those unable to commit to long-term contracts. In Ethiopia, where Safaricom began operations in 2022, the company views broadband expansion as a key growth opportunity in a market still dominated by the state-owned Ethio Telecom.

According to the latest data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), Safaricom continues to lead Kenya’s fixed internet sector. In the first quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, the company increased its market share to 35.6%, adding nearly 80,000 new fixed-line subscribers. Overall, Kenya’s fixed internet subscriptions grew by 147,150, reaching 2.29 million.

Industry analysts note that the prepaid Wi-Fi model could accelerate digital inclusion, particularly in low-income and peri-urban areas. “This move democratizes internet access,” remarked tech analyst Miriam Wanjiku. “It reduces the financial barrier to reliable broadband, which is essential for education, entrepreneurship, and remote work.”

The launch comes amid intensifying competition in Kenya’s internet service sector. Rivals such as Jamii Telecommunications, Airtel, and emerging fibre providers have been expanding their networks and offerings. Safaricom’s prepaid model may prompt similar innovations across the industry, further driving down costs and increasing accessibility.

Regulatory bodies have welcomed initiatives that promote broader connectivity, aligning with national goals to enhance digital infrastructure under Kenya’s Digital Economy Blueprint.

Safaricom is finalising technical and distribution plans for the tokenised service. Customers will purchase tokens via M-PESA or authorised agents, with vouchers redeemable on compatible routers. The company has yet to announce specific pricing but confirms that rates will be competitive with existing mobile data options.

As East Africa’s digital landscape evolves, Safaricom’s latest venture highlights a strategic shift towards scalable, user-centric connectivity solutions, potentially setting a new standard for internet access across the region.