Best eSIM providers and plans in Kenya in 2024

Are you planning on visiting Kenya? The popular tourist destination has two million visitors yearly. Its wildlife safaris, unique Maasai Villages, and sunny coastal beaches are a thing to remember.

If you're a modern traveler, you want to have a good network connection without high roaming costs. An eSIM for Kenya is a digital SIM to get quick and affordable internet access while abroad. They work with local mobile carriers to reduce costs and maximize connection coverage.

Tourists use Kenya eSIMs to get online the moment they arrive. Local internet plans are much cheaper compared to international roaming, and you can set one within minutes with no binding contracts.

It takes time to pick one with multiple Kenya eSIM carriers offering services. To help you choose, we've tested the most popular to narrow the list to the 5 best eSIM for Kenya plans.

Top 5 eSIMs in Kenya – shortlist

1. Saily – inexpensive and reliable Kenya eSIM
2. Airalo – eSIM for Kenya and neighboring countries
3. Nomad – Kenya eSIM with 10GB plans
4. Holafly – eSIM for Kenya with unlimited data
5. aloSIM – Kenya only plan with a phone number

How we tested and ranked the best eSIMs for Kenya?

We test various eSIM Kenya service features to select the best offerings. We thoroughly overview the coverage quality, local mobile network reliability, device compatibility, and pricing. Here are the questions I've asked to determine the best Kenya eSIM plans.

Coverage:	How widespread is eSIM internet access in Kenya? Is there a regional Africa plan that involves Kenya and neighboring countries?
Network connection:	Can you expect 4G or 5G networks for the best connection quality? How good is it outside of metropolitan areas?
Features:	The best eSIM card for Kenya should support tethering for data sharing. Simultaneously, I've included services that offer a phone number for international calls.
Pricing:	How much money can you save compared to international roaming charges? For example, Verizon and AT&T cost $10 per day, compared to Saily's $7.99 for 1GB that you can use for 7 days.

The best eSIM for Kenya should utilize the 5G network that is widespread in major cities like Nairobi and Kisumu. It should allow mobile hotspots and have regional or global plans without charging extra. Best eSIMs also offer a user-friendly app and responsive customer support.

Compare the best eSIM providers in Kenya

Brand	Plan duration	Mobile hotspot	Unlimited data	App	GB per plan	Support	Price	Trustpilot	Rating
Saily	7 and 30 days	Yes	No	Yes	1GB, 3GB, 5GB	24/7 live chat, email, online knowledgebase	$7.99 - $31.99	4.2	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Airalo	7, 15, 30 days	Yes	No	Yes	1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB	24/7 live chat, email, online knowledgebase, blog	$8.50 - $34.00	2.5	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Nomad	7 and 30 days	Yes	No	Yes	1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB	24/7 live chat, email, online knowledgebase, blog	$10.00 - $37.00	4.4	4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Holafly	5, 7, 10, 15, 20, and 30 days	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unlimited	24/7 live chat, email, online knowledgebase	$27.00 - $79.00	4.6	4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
aloSIM	7, 15, 30 days	Yes	No	Yes	1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB	24/7 live chat, email, online knowledgebase, blog	$9.50 - $36.50	4.2	4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

What to consider before choosing an eSIM plan for Kenya

eSIMs make traveling much easier, and you will benefit most if you know exactly what you're looking for. Here are a few things I recommend considering to pick the best eSIM for Kenya for your trip.

• Reason. Most eSIMs are data-only, focusing solely on internet access. However, if you require a phone number for phone calls, take a look at Airalo or aloSIM options. Verify that your chosen service offers enough data for working, streaming, or VoIP calls, depending on your traveling reasons.
• Place. I suggest inspecting the internet availability in Kenya map to know what to expect in your area. Simultaneously, pick an eSIM for Kenya that also offers a regional plan for Africa if you plan on visiting more destinations.
• Time. eSIMs offer you some freedom with flexible plans of different duration. You can choose one that fits your voyage most to avoid paying for data that you won't use fully. You can also activate eSIM just before you leave to save time worrying about internet access after arrival.
• Tethering. A mobile hotspot is especially handy when traveling in a group. Simultaneously, you can share the data from your smartphone to all other devices, like a laptop or a tablet.
• Price. Affordability is a crucial factor when picking Kenya eSIM. You can save funds by eliminating roaming charges and hidden fees. More so, you can manage the amount of required data and have even more savings to spend on a memorable trip.

The best eSIMs for Kenya – complete list

To compile this list of 5 best Kenya eSIM services we meticulously tested the most popular eSIMs in the region. We checked the connection speed and quality, pricing, additional features, and app design. Let's dive in!

1. Saily – best overall eSIM for Kenya

Supported networks:	3G, 4G, LTE, 5G
Country coverage:	150+
Starting price:	Starts from $7.99 (1GB for 7 days)

Visit Saily

Saily is one of the best eSIM for Kenya choices that mix affordable prices with seamless connectivity and straightforward design.

• Plan options. Saily offers a stand-alone Kenya eSIM plan and also includes it in a regional Africa bundle, which covers 28 countries.
• Kenya plans pricing. You can choose between 7 and 30-day plans that cost from $7.99 for 1GB to $31.99 for 5GB. However, the maximum Africa bundle data is limited to 3GB maximum.
• Network coverage. Although Saily does not disclose its Kenyan mobile carrier partners, this service uses the fastest 5G and speedy 4G networks whenever possible. The internet coverage in metropolitan Kenya is excellent so you can expect fast eSIM in Kenya service.
• Activation process. After you download and install Saily on your device, you can buy the selected plan. Then, click on the Activate eSIM button next to it to get step-by-step instructions.
• Customer support. All plans include access to 24/7 customer support via live chat. Alternatively, you can submit a ticket on their website or go through self-help articles on the website.

2. Airalo – Kenya eSIM with flexible plans

Supported networks:	3G, 4G, LTE, 5G
Country coverage:	200+
Starting price:	Starts from $8.50 (1GB for 7 days)

Visit Airalo

Airalo is a top-choice Kenya eSIM for travelers who plan on visiting neighboring countries or require a genuinely global plan.

• Plan options. Airalo has 4 local, 2 regional, and 2 global plans that include Kenya. Furthermore, the global Discover+ plan provides a phone number for international calls.
• Kenya plans pricing. 1GB of data for 7 days costs $8.50, but you can get the best price-value ratio by getting 5GB for $34.00 with a 7-day validity, which is just above Saily's.
• Network coverage. Airalo works with the Airtel mobile carrier in this country, which covers the most traveled destinations with speedy 4G and 5G networks.
• Activation process. Airalo does not require eKYC or any binding contract so you can quickly activate it via a QR code.
• Customer support. In case of any trouble, there's 24/7 live chat support, an online knowledge base, a blog, and contact by email option.

3. Nomad – Kenya eSIM for heavier data use

Supported networks:	3G, 4G, LTE, 5G
Country coverage:	170+
Starting price:	Starts from $10.00 (1GB for 7 days)

Visit Nomad

Nomad is a reliable eSIM for Kenya that offers a substantial amount of maximum data compared to others on this list.

• Plan options. Nomad lets you choose 4 Kenya plans and, similarly to Airalo, includes the destination on regional and global bundles.
• Kenya plans pricing. This service costs $10.00 for 1GB of data valid for 7 days, and the biggest plan is 10GBs for $37.00 with a 30-day validity period.
• Network coverage. Nomad cooperates with Airtel to ensure the best possible connection speed where its network extends.
• Activation process. With a beginner-friendly app and no eKYC requirements, it will take a few short minutes to activate this eSIM in Kenya.
• Customer support. Alongside other best eSIMs for Kenya, you can reach Nomad 24/7 for a live chat, submit a ticket, or go through a vast online knowledge base.

4. Holafly – eSIM for Kenya for active internet use

Supported networks:	3G, 4G, LTE, 5G
Country coverage:	197+
Starting price:	$27.00

Visit Holafly

Holafly offers multiple plans for Kenya, so this is a top choice if you want to adapt the eSIM plans to your exact requirements.

• Plan options. Holafly offers 6 prepaid plans with unlimited data, but it will activate the Fair Usage Policy, which can reduce the connection speed dramatically.
• Kenya plans pricing. The cheapest plan for 5 days costs $27.00, going up to $37.00 for 10 days and $79.00 for 1 month.
• Network coverage. Like others on this list, Holafly works with Airtel for internet access in Kenya.
• Activation process. After you choose and buy a plan, Holafly will provide a QR code for easy activation.
• Customer support. You can reach out to Holafly through 24/7 live chat, WhatsApp, email, and shuffle through online guides and FAQ sections.

5. aloSIM – for travels only in Kenya

Supported networks:	3G, 4G, LTE, 5G
Country coverage:	175+
Starting price:	$9.50 (3GB for 7 days)

Visit aloSIM

aloSIM is among the best eSIM for Kenya services that offers an international phone number, but only combined with a partnered app.

• Plan options. aloSIM offers 4 plans for Kenya, but, unfortunately, it does not include this destination in any regional plans.
• Kenya plans pricing. The 1GB plan costs $9.50. There are also 2GB for $16.50, and the most extensive 5GB plan costs $36.50 for 30 days.
• Network coverage. Similarly to others, aloSIM works with Airtel to provide the fastest possible internet access in Kenya.
• Activation process. This eSIM is easiest to activate using the QR code and does not require any eKYC information to set it up.
• Customer support. aloSIM support is available via 24/7 live chat and email and offers online help like a blog and valuable guides.

Why use an eSIM in Kenya?

Unlike with a physical SIM card, you can activate Kenya eSIM just before you depart. This way, you don't have to search for a native SIM after arriving and can get online faster and cheaper. If you still need convincing, here are a couple more benefits to change your mind.

• User-friendly. The internet connection in Kenya's outskirts is weaker than in major cities. You can seamlessly switch between eSIM carriers in Kenya to get a faster connection speed.
• Easy. Activate the eSIM just minutes before you depart to get online just upon arrival. No more searching for a local hotspot or a SIM card vendor!
• Secure. eSIMs are embedded in a smartphone's motherboard, so you don't risk losing or misplacing a physical card while swapping it.
• Digital. Because there's no need for a physical card slot, there's more space in your device for a sleeker design or a longer-lasting battery.
• Nature-friendly. Physical SIMs are primarily made from a non-biodegradable plastic alongside boxing. Because eSIMs are a digital solution, they reduce the consumption of harmful material.

How to buy an eSIM for Kenya?

If you're wondering whether eSIMs work in Kenya, I can confirm that numerous services utilize its expanding 5G network. Here's what you should consider to select the right one.

• Check compatibility. eSIMs are a relatively new technology that works on smartphones released after 2018. Drop by our smartphone eSIM compatibility list, or visit compatibility for iPhones and Samsung eSIM compatibility articles.
• Select your destination. Consider whether you're visiting only Kenya or will be going to neighboring countries. You can pick an eSIM for Kenya and Tanzania if you want to see the stunning Mount Kilimanjaro or look for a regional African plan to see the whole continent.
• Pick a data package. Kenya eSIMs offer different data plans. While 1GB could be enough to check maps and email for a week, you should opt for 5GB if you plan on making video calls or doing some streaming.
• Install and activate. To install and activate your eSIM, first download its app from Google Play or Apple App Store. The best Kenya eSIMs issue in-app instructions to walk you through device settings and the activation process, which takes but a few minutes.

How much data roaming costs in Kenya?

Before you use your home plan to browse in Kenya, I suggest inspecting the roaming charges, which can amount to quite a lot. For example, AT&T charges $12/day for an International Day Pass, and Vodafone costs similarly in Kenya. Compare it to Saily's $31.99 for 5GB for the whole month, and you get a substantial difference.

How to activate an eSIM card – short guide

Activating an eSIM in Kenya is generally easy but also depends on smartphone and eSIM service specifics. Here are 4 different ways to guide you through.

• Scan a QR code. Scanning a QR code is the easiest activation method for most users. After purchasing, you will get a QR code (most often in email). Turn on your smartphone's camera, scan the QR code, and follow the activation instructions.
• Enter details manually. Users familiar with Kenya eSIMs can activate them manually. Firstly, get an activation code and the SM-DP+ number from your service provider. Then, go to your smartphone's cellular settings, find the eSIM section, and input details in selected fields.
• Use an application. After downloading and installing eSIM on your device, launch its app. If required, create an account and log in with your credentials. Find your chosen destination, this time Kenya, select, and buy a plan. You should see the plan in your Profile section with an Activation button next to it. Click it and follow further in-app instructions.
• Check the provider's website. Because each eSIM Kenya service has slightly different activation steps, I recommend dropping by its website to look for guides and tutorials.

Conclusion

I'm sure you'll notice Kenya's eSIM data benefits throughout your whole trip. Its major cities are already covered in a fast 5GB network so that tourists can enjoy their stay and reliable internet access simultaneously. In this list, I included more affordable options and eSIMs that offer a phone number to suit most needs.

During tests carried out with the CyberNews research team, Saily proved to be one of the best Kenya eSIM services. Its affordable plans, easy-to-use app, and professional customer support outshines the competition. However, also consider other choices that may be better for a business trip or have a global plan.

FAQ