In a decisive move to bolster the position of Kenyan telecommunications companies, a member of parliament has vowed to spearhead new regulations aimed at curbing the influence of Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by American mogul Elon Musk.
This bold initiative comes in response to the growing competition that Starlink has introduced since its Kenyan launch in July 2023.
During a passionate address on September 6, 2024, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji committed to advancing a motion in Parliament that will regulate satellite internet providers, ensuring they do not overshadow local ISPs such as Safaricom.
Mukunji’s plan aims to protect Kenyan internet companies, which have invested heavily in infrastructure and contribute significantly to the local economy.
“Starlink is reaping the rewards of the Kenyan market without giving back to our communities,” Mukunji stated.
“When Parliament reconvenes, I will push for a discussion on how we can address competitors who benefit from our consumers without contributing to our society.”
The MP pointed out that Safaricom has made considerable investments in fiber optic cables and other infrastructure to deliver internet services across the country.
He argued that it is unfair for Starlink, which relies solely on satellite technology, to compete with a company that has built a robust local network.
“We are not advocating for monopolies but for fairness,” Mukunji added.
“We need to ensure that companies that invest in our economy and create jobs are not undermined by foreign entities that profit from our market without contributing to it.”
This move follows Safaricom’s recent appeal to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to regulate satellite internet services, reinforcing the call for a level playing field in the telecommunications sector.
Mukunji’s upcoming motion represents a critical step towards ensuring that the benefits of Kenya’s internet market are balanced between international competitors and local providers, safeguarding the interests of Kenyan consumers and businesses alike.
