Mawingu Networks to Lead Kenya Deployment of Microsoft–Starlink Rural Connectivity Initiative
Nairobi, Kenya – February 27, 2026 – Mawingu Networks today reaffirmed its position as a leading last-mile connectivity and infrastructure partner, following the announcement by Microsoft of its collaboration with Starlink to expand high-speed satellite-enabled internet access. Through this initiative, Mawingu will lead the Kenya deployment, ensuring reliable, affordable connectivity reaches unserved and underserved communities across the country.
Under the initiative, Mawingu will deploy, integrate, and operationalize connectivity across 450 community hubs in rural, and peri-urban regions nationwide. These hubs, including schools, farmer cooperatives, aggregation centres, and digital resource facilities — will function as digitally enabled access points, advancing online education, strengthening agricultural value chains, enabling entrepreneurship, and unlocking access to AI-powered tools and services.
Mawingu’s role extends beyond connectivity provision. The company will lead last-mile network integration, site deployment, ongoing operations management, and local ecosystem coordination, ensuring that satellite capacity translates into sustainable, community-level impact. By combining Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite capability with Mawingu’s established rural broadband infrastructure and community-first deployment model, the partnership delivers scalable connectivity solutions where traditional infrastructure remains limited or economically unviable.
Through this approach, Mawingu ensures that digital access is not only delivered, but adopted — supported by digital skills enablement, institutional partnerships, and long-term operational and sustainable impact.
With an estimated 2.2 billion people globally still offline, rural connectivity remains one of the defining infrastructure challenges of our time. Kenya is emerging as a model for how global satellite capability, when combined with strong local execution and trusted community partnerships, can accelerate inclusive digital growth.
“Access is the foundation of opportunity,” said Farouk Ramji, Chief Executive Officer of Mawingu Networks. “By integrating satellite technology with community-led deployment models, we are securing affordable, high-quality connectivity as the foundation for long-term progress. With that foundation in place, communities can fully participate in education, enterprise, and the digital economy. We are committed to positively impacting one million Africans by 2028.”
Mawingu Networks remains committed to advancing resilient, inclusive connectivity solutions that align with national development priorities and expand opportunity across rural and underserved communities.
For more information, press only:
Mawingu PR and Media Relations
📧 press@mawingu.co 🌐 www.mawingu.co
Millie Abila, Group Communications & Public Relations Manager, millie.abila@mawingu.co
A Note to Editors:
About Mawingu
Established in 2012 in Nanyuki, Kenya, Mawingu Networks is a leading rural and peri-urban connectivity provider delivering affordable, reliable internet through a combination of wireless, fibre, green-energy infrastructure, and now satellite-enabled technology.
From 30 markets in 2024 to 39 markets in 2025 following the acquisition of Habari Tanzania, Mawingu’s expanded footprint now impacts over a quatre million people across East Africa. 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, reinforcing its position as the largest ISP in the region dedicated exclusively to unserved and underserved communities.
With 380 employees and a strong 55:45 male-to-female ratio, Mawingu is not only building digital infrastructure but also creating inclusive economic opportunity. Through its growing network of community hubs, schools, farmer cooperatives, and aggregation centres, Mawingu continues to unlock access to education, agricultural productivity, entrepreneurship, and AI-enabled services across rural markets.
For more information, visit www.mawingu.co.
