Safaricom Business today launched its revamped 5G for Business service, offering up to five times faster internet speeds at more affordable prices. This new initiative is designed to address the growing digital needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Kenya.
Josephine Mwikali, Head of Medium Enterprises and County Business at Safaricom, announced the upgraded plans during the Grow with Safaricom Business Western Kenya edition, part of the Sambaza Furaha na Safaricom Caravan. She highlighted the service’s role in supporting SMEs through improved connectivity for real-time collaboration, seamless online transactions, and remote operations.
Affordable Plans for SMEs
Under the new pricing, businesses can now enjoy:
- 10 Mbps upgraded to 50 Mbps for Ksh. 4,000
- 20 Mbps upgraded to 100 Mbps for Ksh. 5,000
- 50 Mbps upgraded to 250 Mbps for Ksh. 10,000
“The new 5G for Business will ensure SMEs can access enterprise-grade internet performance without stretching their budgets. This will empower them to enhance productivity, improve customer interactions, and scale operations efficiently in today’s increasingly connected marketplace,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.
Special Launch Offer
As part of the launch, Safaricom is offering a 25% discount on all 5G plans for businesses that sign up between November 29 and December 31, 2024.
Transforming Kenya’s SME Sector
Mwikali underscored the significant role of SMEs in Kenya’s economy, referencing data from the Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis:
- Over 7.4 million MSMEs employ approximately 14.9 million Kenyans, contributing 30% of the GDP.
“Safaricom remains committed to transforming lives by connecting people to opportunities and information. This commitment has kept over 45.9 million customers connected, supported over 1.1 million jobs directly and indirectly, and contributed an economic value of KES 542 billion ($4.2 billion) for the 12 months through March 2023,” Mwikali noted.
Pioneering Connectivity and Financial Inclusion
Safaricom continues to lead in connectivity through its 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, covering over 99% of Kenya’s population. The company’s flagship service, M-PESA, has revolutionized financial inclusion, enabling over 32.1 million users to transact, save, and borrow through their mobile phones. As of FY24, M-PESA generated KES 139.9 billion in revenue.
Commitment to Sustainability and Gender Equity
Mwikali also highlighted Safaricom’s dedication to achieving gender parity in senior management by 2025 and its ambitious goal to become a Net Zero carbon-emitting company by 2050.
“Safaricom is more than a telecommunications company. We’re a driver of economic transformation, digital inclusion, and sustainability,” she added.
The revamped 5G for Business marks another milestone in Safaricom’s mission to empower SMEs and contribute to Kenya’s digital transformation.
