Amazon LEO, formerly known as Project Kuiper, has applied for regulatory approval to operate in Kenya, signalling a fresh push into Africa’s broadband market. The company submitted its request to the Communications Authority of Kenya for a Network Facilities Provider Tier 2 licence, which would allow it to build and manage telecom infrastructure nationwide through its local unit, Amazon Kuiper Kenya Limited.
The move follows its recent entry into Nigeria, where the Nigerian Communications Commission granted it a seven year licence earlier in 2026. If approved in Kenya, Amazon LEO would be able to deploy fibre and satellite linked infrastructure across all 47 counties, although it would still require location specific spectrum approvals under the country’s licensing framework.
Kenya’s satellite internet space is already seeing growing competition, led by Starlink, which has rapidly gained traction in the high speed broadband segment. Despite holding less than one per cent of the overall market, Starlink dominates connections above 100 Mbps, driven by flexible pricing models that make its services more accessible to homes and small businesses.
Analysts say Amazon’s entry could intensify competition across both satellite and traditional broadband segments, challenging established players like Safaricom and Jamii Telecommunications. The proposed licence, which runs for 15 years, also comes with local ownership requirements and rollout obligations, reflecting Kenya’s effort to balance foreign investment with domestic participation in its fast evolving digital economy.