Updated 2 November 2026
Zuku vs Safaricom 5G in short: Zuku fibre gives more speed for the money (80 Mbps for KSh 3,999 against 50 Mbps for KSh 4,000 on 5G), is advertised as uncapped and comes with free installation and a free modem, while Safaricom 5G Home needs a KSh 2,999 router but no cable, so it suits renters and homes that fibre does not reach. Zuku needs a fibre line to your building; Safaricom 5G needs a strong 5G signal inside your home. Check both before you pay.
Updated 2 November 2026. Zuku prices from the Zuku Kenya packages page, checked 2 November 2026. Safaricom 5G Home prices from the 5G page and 5G Wi-Fi FAQ on Safaricom’s home internet website, checked October 2026. Both providers quote prices including tax.
Zuku vs Safaricom 5G: price and speed table
| Monthly price | Zuku Home Fiber | Safaricom 5G Home (30 days) |
|---|---|---|
| KSh 2,999 | Internet Shujaa, 40 Mbps | 15 Mbps, 450GB cap |
| About KSh 4,000 | Internet Bingwa, 80 Mbps, KSh 3,999 | 50 Mbps, 1.5TB cap, KSh 4,000 |
| KSh 4,399 to 5,000 | Internet Stream, 100 Mbps, KSh 4,399 | 100 Mbps, 2TB cap, KSh 5,000 |
| About KSh 10,000 | Internet Connect, 200 Mbps, KSh 9,999 | 250 Mbps, 4TB cap, KSh 10,000 |
At every tier except the top one, Zuku offers the same or more speed for the same or less money. At about KSh 10,000, Safaricom 5G’s 250 Mbps is faster than Zuku Connect’s 200 Mbps, but it carries a 4TB cap.
Set-up costs and data limits
| Item | Zuku | Safaricom 5G Home |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Free modem | 5G router, one-off KSh 2,999 (Baicells, Huawei or Nokia, subject to stock) |
| Installation | Free; usually within 3 working days in supported areas | No technician; plug in and activate with *400*0# |
| Data limit | Advertised as uncapped | 450GB to 4TB; at the cap you must buy a new plan |
| Unused data | Not applicable | Expires at the end of the 30 days |
| What you need | Zuku fibre coverage at your building | 5G coverage inside your home (falls back to 4G) |
| Moving house | Depends on Zuku coverage at the new address | Take the router with you if the new home has 5G |
| Allowed use | Home fiber plans | Private domestic use in a single home only |
First-month cost: Zuku Bingwa costs KSh 3,999 to start. Safaricom 5G at 50 Mbps costs KSh 6,999 to start (router plus plan), and KSh 4,000 a month after that.
Coverage: the deciding factor
Safaricom said in May 2025 that its 5G network had reached all 47 counties, but its investor presentation for the year to March 2026 puts 5G population coverage at about 30%, so 5G is mostly in towns and selected estates. Safaricom’s terms require you to confirm 5G coverage at your premises before buying the router. See Safaricom 5G coverage areas.
Zuku fibre is only available where its network has been built, so use the Check coverage tool on its website. If neither reaches you, Safaricom’s router falls back to 4G, at lower speeds than you are paying for.
Zuku vs Safaricom 5G: which should you choose?
- Choose Zuku if its fibre reaches your building, you stream a lot or have several users, and you want uncapped data with no upfront equipment cost.
- Choose Safaricom 5G Home if you rent and move often, your landlord will not allow cabling, fibre does not reach your estate, or you want to be online the same day.
- Comparing with Safaricom’s own fibre? See Safaricom Home Fibre packages and our full Safaricom 5G packages guide.
How to sign up
- Zuku: check coverage on zuku.co.ke, then order online or call sales on 0205 222 222. Support numbers are in our Zuku contacts guide.
- Safaricom 5G: confirm coverage, buy the router at a Safaricom shop, dealer, Quickmart, Naivas or Masoko, activate with *400*0# and the code on the pack, then buy a plan on *400# or in the app.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Zuku or Safaricom 5G?
Zuku fibre gives more speed per shilling up to 100 Mbps and is advertised as uncapped. Safaricom 5G is better if fibre does not reach your home or you move often.
How much does it cost to start Safaricom 5G Home?
The router is KSh 2,999 with no free data, so the cheapest start is about KSh 5,998 with the 15 Mbps plan, or KSh 6,999 with the 50 Mbps plan.
Is Zuku installation free?
Yes. Zuku’s packages page lists free installation and a free modem on all four home fiber plans.
What happens when I reach my Safaricom 5G data cap?
The service does not slow down; you have to buy a new plan to keep browsing for the rest of the period.
Can I use Safaricom 5G Home for a shop or office?
No. The 5G Home terms limit it to private domestic use in a single home. Businesses should ask about Safaricom’s business products.
Sources: Zuku Kenya packages page (checked 2 November 2026); Safaricom home internet 5G page, 5G Wi-Fi FAQ and terms (April 2026); Safaricom investor presentation, May 2026.
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