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Internet & Data Costs

Best Unlimited Internet for Remote Workers Kenya

7 min read
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Easy Access Staff

For Kenyan remote workers, truly unlimited internet removes the stress of bundle management and surprise charges. Here’s your complete guide to the best unlimited options in 2026.

Top Unlimited Internet Providers

1. Safaricom Home Fiber (Most Reliable)

Plans and Speeds:

10 Mbps - Ksh 2,999/month

  • Good for: Content writing, virtual assistant work, email
  • Supports: 2-3 devices
  • Video calls: HD quality (1-2 simultaneous)
  • Best for: Solo workers, light usage

40 Mbps - Ksh 3,499/month

  • Good for: Design work, transcription, data entry
  • Supports: 4-6 devices
  • Video calls: HD quality (3-4 simultaneous)
  • Best for: Small home office, occasional large downloads

100 Mbps - Ksh 5,999/month

  • Good for: Software development, video editing, heavy downloads
  • Supports: 8-10 devices
  • Video calls: 4K quality (5+ simultaneous)
  • Best for: Power users, multiple workers

Coverage:

  • Nairobi: Excellent (most estates)
  • Mombasa: Very good
  • Kisumu: Good
  • Nakuru: Good
  • Other towns: Check availability at Safaricom shops

Pros:

  • Most reliable network
  • Consistent speeds
  • Good customer support
  • Easy M-PESA payment
  • No hidden throttling

Cons:

  • Higher installation cost (Ksh 2,500-5,000)
  • Limited to fiber coverage areas
  • 12-month contract

Real user experience: “100 Mbps in Ruaka. Runs 24/7 for 2 years. Only 3 outages total, each fixed within 24 hours. Worth every shilling.” - Software developer

Home office with reliable fiber internet setup

2. Zuku Fiber (Budget Option)

Plans:

10 Mbps - Ksh 1,999/month 20 Mbps - Ksh 2,500/month 40 Mbps - Ksh 3,500/month 100 Mbps - Ksh 6,000/month

Coverage:

  • Nairobi: Good (many estates)
  • Mombasa: Excellent
  • Coastal region: Very good
  • Other areas: Limited

Pros:

  • Cheaper than Safaricom
  • Good speeds when working
  • No data caps
  • Installation often free (promotions)

Cons:

  • Less reliable than Safaricom
  • Customer service slower
  • More frequent outages
  • Speed drops during peak hours

Best for: Budget-conscious workers in well-covered areas

3. Faiba 4G Home (No Cable Needed)

Plans:

10 Mbps - Ksh 2,500/month 25 Mbps - Ksh 3,000/month 50 Mbps - Ksh 4,500/month

How it works:

  • Wireless router (no cables)
  • Works via Faiba 4G network
  • Setup in 1 hour
  • Can move with you

Coverage:

  • Nairobi: Good
  • Major towns: Fair to good
  • Rural areas: Check coverage map

Pros:

  • No cable installation
  • Portable (can relocate)
  • Quick setup
  • Good customer support

Cons:

  • Slower than fiber
  • Affected by network congestion
  • Weather can impact signal
  • FUP (Fair Usage Policy) limits heavy users

Real experience: “25 Mbps plan in Kitengela. Works well 80% of the time. Occasional slow evenings. Good for VA work and video calls.” - Virtual assistant

4. Airtel 4G Home (Newest Option)

Plans:

Unlimited 20 Mbps - Ksh 2,500/month Unlimited 50 Mbps - Ksh 3,500/month

Setup:

  • 4G router provided
  • No installation fee
  • Works via Airtel 4G network

Coverage:

  • Nairobi: Very good
  • Major towns: Good
  • Expanding coverage

Pros:

  • Competitive pricing
  • No installation costs
  • Easy setup
  • Portable

Cons:

  • Newer service (less track record)
  • Speed varies by location
  • Customer support still improving
  • Network congestion during peak hours

5. JTL (Jamii Telecom)

Plans:

20 Mbps - Ksh 2,000/month 50 Mbps - Ksh 2,500/month 100 Mbps - Ksh 4,000/month

Coverage:

  • Nairobi: Select estates
  • Very limited coverage

Pros:

  • Excellent speeds
  • Very reliable in covered areas
  • Best price-to-speed ratio
  • Great customer service

Cons:

  • Very limited coverage
  • Long installation wait times
  • Not available in most areas

If available in your area: Excellent choice

5G Home Internet (Future-Proofing)

Safaricom 5G Home

Available in:

  • Nairobi CBD
  • Westlands
  • Kilimani
  • Parts of Upperhill
  • Expanding coverage

Plans:

50 Mbps - Ksh 3,499/month 100 Mbps - Ksh 4,999/month 250 Mbps - Ksh 9,999/month

Advantages:

  • Ultra-fast speeds
  • Low latency (great for video calls)
  • No cable needed
  • Future-proof technology

Disadvantages:

  • Limited coverage
  • Higher cost
  • Requires 5G coverage area
  • May need outdoor antenna

Best for: Tech workers in 5G areas who need maximum speed

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Work

Content Writers & Virtual Assistants

Minimum needed: 10 Mbps Recommended: 20-40 Mbps

Why:

  • Email and docs: minimal bandwidth
  • Zoom calls: 3-5 Mbps
  • Research browsing: 2-5 Mbps
  • File uploads: faster with higher speeds

Best options:

  1. Zuku 20 Mbps (Ksh 2,500)
  2. Airtel 4G Home 20 Mbps (Ksh 2,500)
  3. Safaricom 10 Mbps (Ksh 2,999) - if reliability critical

Graphic Designers

Minimum needed: 20 Mbps Recommended: 40-50 Mbps

Why:

  • Large file uploads (PSD, AI files)
  • Cloud storage syncing
  • Client video calls
  • Asset downloads

Best options:

  1. Safaricom 40 Mbps (Ksh 3,499)
  2. Faiba 50 Mbps (Ksh 4,500)
  3. JTL 50 Mbps (Ksh 2,500) - if available

Software Developers

Minimum needed: 40 Mbps Recommended: 100 Mbps

Why:

  • GitHub push/pull
  • Docker images
  • NPM/package downloads
  • Video calls during coding
  • Multiple services running

Best options:

  1. Safaricom 100 Mbps (Ksh 5,999)
  2. JTL 100 Mbps (Ksh 4,000) - if available
  3. Zuku 100 Mbps (Ksh 6,000)

Video Editors

Minimum needed: 100 Mbps Recommended: 100+ Mbps

Why:

  • Multi-GB file uploads/downloads
  • Cloud rendering
  • 4K footage transfers
  • Client review uploads

Best options:

  1. Safaricom 100 Mbps (Ksh 5,999)
  2. Safaricom 5G 100 Mbps (Ksh 4,999) - if available
  3. JTL 100 Mbps (Ksh 4,000) - if available

Multiple Users/Family

Minimum needed: 40 Mbps Recommended: 100 Mbps

Why:

  • Simultaneous usage
  • Streaming + work
  • Gaming + video calls
  • Multiple devices

Formula: 10 Mbps per active user

Best options:

  1. Safaricom 100 Mbps (Ksh 5,999)
  2. Zuku 100 Mbps (Ksh 6,000)

Hidden Costs & True Pricing

Installation Costs

Safaricom Fiber:

  • Official: Ksh 2,500
  • With promotions: Free to Ksh 1,500
  • Watch for Black Friday deals

Zuku:

  • Often free with promotion
  • Otherwise Ksh 2,000-3,000

Faiba/Airtel 4G:

  • Router deposit: Ksh 2,000-3,000 (refundable)
  • No installation fee

JTL:

  • Installation: Ksh 3,000-5,000
  • Varies by location

Router Costs

Fiber providers:

  • Router usually included
  • Replacement: Ksh 3,000-5,000

4G providers:

  • Router on loan
  • Deposit required
  • Return when canceling

Contract Terms

12-month contracts:

  • Safaricom: Required
  • Zuku: Required
  • Early termination: Penalty fees

Month-to-month:

  • Faiba: Available
  • Airtel: Available
  • More flexibility

True Monthly Cost

Example: Safaricom 40 Mbps

  • Monthly: Ksh 3,499
  • Installation (amortized): Ksh 208/month (12 months)
  • Router (if bought): Ksh 0
  • True cost: Ksh 3,707/month (first year)
  • Year 2+: Ksh 3,499/month

Reliability Comparison

Most to Least Reliable (based on user reports):

  1. Safaricom Fiber - 95% uptime

    • Outages: 1-2 times/year
    • Resolution: 6-24 hours

  2. JTL - 93% uptime (in covered areas)

    • Outages: 2-3 times/year
    • Resolution: 12-48 hours

  3. Zuku - 88% uptime

    • Outages: 4-6 times/year
    • Resolution: 24-72 hours

  4. Faiba 4G - 85% uptime

    • Network dependent
    • Variable resolution

  5. Airtel 4G Home - 83% uptime

    • Still stabilizing
    • Improving over time

For critical work: Safaricom or JTL (if available) For budget work: Zuku or Airtel 4G Home

Backup Internet Strategies

No single internet is 100% reliable. Have backup:

Strategy 1: Dual ISP Setup

Primary: Safaricom 40 Mbps (Ksh 3,499) Backup: Airtel/Safaricom unlimited mobile bundles

When primary fails:

  • Switch to mobile hotspot
  • Limited disruption
  • Cost: Primary + Ksh 500-1,000 backup

Strategy 2: 4G Router Backup

Primary: Home fiber (any provider) Backup: Faiba 4G or Airtel 4G router

Benefits:

  • Two independent networks
  • Seamless switching
  • Cost: Primary + Ksh 2,500-3,000

Strategy 3: Neighbor Backup

Arrangement:

  • Pay neighbor Ksh 500/month
  • Use their WiFi when yours fails
  • Mutual backup agreement

Strategy 4: Coworking Day Pass

Cost: Ksh 500-1,000/day When to use: Long outages (12+ hours) Benefit: Professional environment, guaranteed internet

Speed Testing & Verification

Test your connection:

Tools:

  • Speedtest.net (by Ookla)
  • Fast.com (by Netflix)
  • Google speed test (search “speed test”)

Test at different times:

  • Morning (8am)
  • Afternoon (2pm)
  • Evening peak (7pm)
  • Night (10pm)

Red flags:

  • Speed less than 60% advertised
  • High latency (>100ms)
  • Frequent disconnections
  • Speed drops at peak hours

Action: Contact provider, request technician

Making the Switch

Checklist before switching:

  1. Verify coverage:

    • Check provider website
    • Call customer service
    • Ask neighbors

  2. Read contract:

    • Contract length
    • Early termination fees
    • Installation costs
    • Equipment ownership

  3. Test period:

    • Some offer 7-day trials
    • Test during work hours
    • Check peak-time speeds

  4. Migration plan:

    • Overlap old and new (1 week)
    • Don’t cancel old until new works
    • Budget for overlap cost

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Slow speeds:

  • Restart router (unplug 30 seconds)
  • Check device limit (too many connected)
  • Test wired vs WiFi
  • Contact provider

Frequent disconnections:

  • Check cable connections (fiber)
  • Router placement (4G)
  • Interference (other routers, microwaves)
  • Request technician visit

No connection:

  • Check bill payment status
  • Verify service status (provider website)
  • Restart router
  • Call support

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Is unlimited worth it?

If you use <20GB/month: Mobile bundles cheaper If you use 20-50GB/month: Borderline If you use 50GB+/month: Unlimited definitely worth it

Example calculation:

Option A: Mobile bundles

  • 60GB/month: Ksh 2,500 (Airtel)
  • Shared across devices: Difficult
  • Runs out risk: High stress

Option B: Home fiber

  • Safaricom 40 Mbps: Ksh 3,499
  • Unlimited: No stress
  • Multiple devices: Easy
  • Extra cost: Ksh 999 for peace of mind

ROI for work:

  • No bundle management time: 2 hours/month saved
  • No mid-project disconnections
  • Professional video call quality
  • Value: Worth it for serious remote workers

Provider Comparison Table

ProviderCheapest PlanMid-tierPremiumBest For
Safaricom Fiber10 Mbps - Ksh 2,99940 Mbps - Ksh 3,499100 Mbps - Ksh 5,999Reliability
Zuku10 Mbps - Ksh 1,99940 Mbps - Ksh 3,500100 Mbps - Ksh 6,000Budget
Faiba 4G10 Mbps - Ksh 2,50025 Mbps - Ksh 3,00050 Mbps - Ksh 4,500No cable needed
Airtel 4G20 Mbps - Ksh 2,50050 Mbps - Ksh 3,500-Easy setup
JTL20 Mbps - Ksh 2,00050 Mbps - Ksh 2,500100 Mbps - Ksh 4,000Value (limited areas)

Final Recommendation

Best overall: Safaricom 40 Mbps (Ksh 3,499)

  • Reliable enough for full-time work
  • Speed suitable for most remote jobs
  • Worth the extra cost for dependability

Best budget: Zuku 20 Mbps (Ksh 2,500) or Airtel 4G 20 Mbps (Ksh 2,500)

  • Adequate for VA/writing work
  • Acceptable reliability
  • Saves Ksh 1,000/month

Best performance: JTL 100 Mbps (Ksh 4,000) - if available

  • Excellent speed
  • Great price
  • Reliable in covered areas

Best flexibility: Faiba 4G 25 Mbps (Ksh 3,000)

  • No installation
  • Portable
  • Month-to-month

Your internet is your office infrastructure. Invest in reliability, have a backup plan, and track whether you’re getting the advertised speeds. The right unlimited plan removes a major stress point and lets you focus on earning rather than managing bundles.