ISP Mawingu to lead Microsoft-Starlink rural connectivity project in Kenya

Microsoft on February 24, announced the collaboration to expand connectivity across the world.

In the initiative, Mawingu will lead the Kenya deployment, ensuring reliable, affordable connectivity reaches unserved and underserved communities across the country.

Mawingu will help in deploying 450 community hubs in rural, and semi-urban regions, targeting schools, farmer cooperatives, aggregation centres, and digital resource facilities to function as access points.

In a statement on Thursday, Mawingu noted that the partnership delivers scalable connectivity solutions where traditional infrastructure remains limited or economically unviable.

It added that the move will significantly scale up rural internet connectivity and Kenya is emerging as a model for how global satellite capability can accelerate inclusive digital growth.

Mawingu Networks CEO Farouk Ramji believes that the move will allow communities to fully participate in education, enterprise, and the digital economy.

“Access is the foundation of opportunity. By integrating satellite technology with community-led deployment models, we are securing affordable, high-quality connectivity as the foundation for long-term progress," he said.

"We are committed to positively impacting one million Africans by 2028.”

Established in 2012 in Nanyuki, Kenya, Mawingu Networks has been providing affordable and  reliable internet through a in rural and semi-urban areas through a combination of wireless, fibre, green-energy infrastructure, and now satellite enabled technology.

The company connects more than 35,000 homes and businesses, operates over 200 base stations, and has expanded its fibre network from 85KM to 370KM.

Microsoft says it expanded its internet coverage to more than 299 million people in 2025, as announced by its chief sustainability officer Melanie Nakagawa.