Airalo’s Kenya eSIM connects to Safaricom, making it attractive for travelers visiting rural regions or national parks. Coverage is excellent, but prices are noticeably higher compared to Airtel-based plans.
Airalo pricing:
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5GB for $32.00
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10GB for $49.00
There is no 20GB option, which may be limiting for heavy data users. For short trips focused on remote areas, Safaricom coverage can justify the premium.
Saily and Roamless: Mid-Range Alternatives
Saily and Roamless sit in the middle of the price spectrum. Both offer 5GB and 10GB plans, but with different trade-offs.
Saily’s network partner is not clearly disclosed, which can be a concern for travelers who care about rural coverage. Roamless uses Airtel, similar to Roafly, but its 10GB plan is significantly more expensive.
For budget-conscious travelers, these options are usually less attractive compared to Roafly’s pricing.
Holafly Unlimited eSIM: Understand the Fair Use Policy
Holafly offers an unlimited data eSIM for Kenya at $36.90 for 7 days. While this may sound appealing, unlimited plans typically come with a Fair Use Policy. After a certain daily threshold, speeds may be reduced.
Holafly can work well for short, intensive trips where you need constant connectivity for navigation and messaging. For longer stays, capped data plans often provide more predictable performance.
Airport SIM Cards vs eSIMs in Kenya
Many travelers consider buying a SIM card at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), but this option has downsides.
At the airport, tourist SIM cards from Safaricom or Airtel typically cost USD 15–25 for small data bundles (usually 3–5GB), often bundled with local minutes. You must register with your passport, and queues can be long during peak arrival hours. Recharging later requires local payment methods.
By comparison, eSIMs allow you to:
For short and medium trips, eSIMs are usually better value and far more convenient.
Mobile Networks in Kenya: What Travelers Should Know
Kenya has three main mobile networks, but coverage quality varies significantly depending on location.
Safaricom
Safaricom is the dominant mobile operator in Kenya. It offers the widest coverage, especially in rural areas and along major highways. Safaricom is also the backbone of M-Pesa, Kenya’s mobile payment system. If you plan to spend time outside Nairobi or visit national parks, Safaricom coverage is generally the most reliable.
Airtel Kenya
Airtel Kenya provides strong coverage in cities and towns and competitive speeds for data usage. In Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, Airtel performs very well. In more remote regions, coverage may be less consistent than Safaricom, but still suitable for most travelers.
Telkom Kenya
Telkom exists but is rarely used by international eSIM providers due to limited coverage and slower speeds. Most eSIMs for Kenya rely on Safaricom or Airtel partnerships.
Coverage Expectations Across Kenya
In Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and major towns, both Safaricom and Airtel deliver solid 4G speeds. Streaming, video calls, and hotspot use are generally stable.
In national parks like Maasai Mara or Amboseli, Safaricom usually has the edge, but even there, coverage can be limited. No mobile network guarantees full connectivity in remote safari areas.
Along the coast and in tourist resorts, Airtel coverage is generally sufficient for most travel needs.
How Much Data Do You Need in Kenya?
Data usage depends on travel style:
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Light usage (maps, messaging, emails): 5GB
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Moderate usage (social media, browsing, light video): 10GB
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Heavy usage (remote work, hotspot, streaming): 20GB
If you are unsure, it is safer to choose a 10GB plan. Travelers planning multiple safaris or remote work sessions should consider 20GB.
eSIM Setup and Compatibility
Most modern smartphones support eSIM, including recent iPhone, Samsung, and Google Pixel models. Roafly supports:
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iOS Direct Install
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QR Code activation
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Manual installation
Installation usually takes less than five minutes. It is recommended to install the eSIM before departure and activate it upon arrival.
If you have previously used an eSIM in Africa or North Africa, you may find it helpful to compare experiences from regions like Morocco, where coverage dynamics are similar. For reference, you can also review this guide on choosing the right eSIM while traveling in Africa.
Final Verdict: Which eSIM Is Best for Kenya?
For most travelers, Roafly offers the best balance of price, data volume, and ease of use for Kenya. Its Airtel-based plans are well-suited for cities and tourist regions, and the larger data options provide strong value for longer stays.
Travelers prioritizing rural coverage may prefer Airalo with Safaricom, while short-term visitors might consider Holafly’s unlimited plan with caution.
Choosing the right eSIM ensures you stay connected throughout your journey, from airport arrival to your final safari sunset.
Check the latest Kenya eSIM packages and choose the plan that fits your travel style.
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