Airtel Kenya. Photo | Courtesy.
Airtel Kenya has reported significant growth in both its subscriber base and mobile money services, according to the latest data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
As of the fourth quarter of 2024, the total number of SIM subscriptions in Kenya reached 71,375,093, reflecting a penetration rate of 138.5 percent. Within this market, Airtel’s subscribers increased to 21,517,842, capturing a 30.15 percent market share. This marks a notable rise from the previous quarter, where Airtel had 20,740,558 subscribers, indicating a growth of 777,284 users or 3.75 percent.
In the realm of mobile money services, Kenya’s subscriber base expanded to 42,302,833 during the same period. Airtel Money’s market share grew to 8.9 percent, translating to 3,764,952 customers, up from 7.6 percent in the previous quarter.
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Airtel attributes this growth to its innovative and customer-centric approach. The company’s recent launch of ‘Smarta Bundles’ in February 2025 offers customers enhanced value by reimbursing transaction fees as airtime when they use Airtel Money. This initiative underscores Airtel’s commitment to providing value for money, convenience, and flexibility to its users.
The company’s aggressive network expansion has also played a crucial role in its growth. In the past year, Airtel rolled out nearly 1,000 network sites, marking the largest network expansion in its history in Kenya.
With a total of over 4,200 network sites, Airtel has significantly enhanced its coverage, including improved indoor connectivity in major towns and cities. Notably, the company extended its network extensively in the North Eastern region, an area where its presence was previously limited.
Airtel’s focus on interoperability has further boosted its appeal. By enabling seamless transactions across different networks, Airtel Money allows Kenyans to send money and make payments regardless of the originating or receiving network. This enhanced interoperability offers consumers more choices and fosters a competitive mobile money landscape.
The sustained growth of Airtel Money provides Kenyans with enhanced mobile money services and more options for their financial transactions. Airtel’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction positions it as a strong competitor in Kenya’s telecommunications sector, offering consumers alternatives that cater to their diverse needs.
Airtel Kenya’s recent advancements in subscriber growth, network expansion, and mobile money services reflect a strategic focus on meeting customer needs and enhancing service delivery.
