| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Volume (2025) | 3.23 Thousand units |
| Market Volume (2030) | 3.42 Thousand units |
| CAGR | 1.18 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Kenya Telecom Tower Market Analysis
The Kenya Telecom Tower Market size in terms of installed base is expected to grow from 3.23 thousand units in 2025 to 3.42 thousand units by 2030, at a CAGR of 1.18% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Kenya's telecom tower market is on an upward trajectory, fueled by the expansion of mobile networks, surging demand for data services, and the progressive rollout of 4G and 5G technologies. Both local and international companies are actively participating in the market, emphasizing the enhancement of connectivity in both urban and rural areas.
- To cater to the rising demand for voice and data services, Kenya's telecom operators are swiftly broadening their mobile networks. This growth calls for the installation of new telecom towers, especially in rural areas that have been historically underserved, ensuring comprehensive national coverage and elevated service quality.
- The surge in smartphone usage and mobile internet adoption has amplified the demand for swift data services. This escalating need is prompting the installation of more telecom towers, especially in bustling urban locales, to manage the increasing data traffic and bolster network capacity.
- The active rollout of 4G networks, coupled with the forthcoming introduction of 5G technology, stands as a pivotal force propelling Kenya's telecom tower market. In response, operators are channeling investments into erecting new towers and modernizing existing ones, recognizing that these advanced technologies necessitate a more densely packed network of tower sites.
- Backing the telecom sector, the Kenyan government has rolled out policies that drive infrastructure development. Their initiatives, focused on bolstering digital connectivity and extending telecom services to remote locales, have cultivated a nurturing environment for the telecom tower market's expansion.
- However, despite the optimistic growth narrative, the market encounters challenges such as regulatory approvals and environmental concerns. Securing permits for new tower installations often becomes a prolonged and complex process. Additionally, there is increasing concern about the environmental impact of tower constructions, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas. These challenges not only pose risks of project delays but can also escalate costs for telecom operators.
Kenya Telecom Tower Market Trends
5G deployments to drive the momentum for tower leasing
- As Kenya rolls out 5G, it is poised to witness significant investments in its telecom infrastructure, notably in erecting new telecom towers. Given 5G's reliance on higher frequency bands and its shorter transmission ranges, urban areas will necessitate a denser network of towers to guarantee thorough coverage.
- August 2024 - Safaricom has made notable strides in expanding its 5G network, surpassing the milestone of 1,000 sites. The enhanced 5G network now spans all 47 counties in Kenya, reaching 14% of the population. With 1,114 5G sites active in 102 towns nationwide, a growing number of individuals, businesses, and households are reaping the advantages of high-speed internet.
- Upgrading existing telecom towers with state-of-the-art equipment, such as advanced antennas and fiber optic connections, is essential to support 5G technology. This modernization is vital for telecom operators to meet the heightened data speeds and low-latency requirements of 5G networks, further propelling investments in tower infrastructure.
- Due to the absence of fundamental infrastructure such as roads and electricity, the trend of infrastructure sharing is anticipated to rise. Furthermore, considering the hefty expenses tied to 5G deployment, telecom operators in Kenya are likely to forge more collaborations and enter into infrastructure-sharing agreements. These alliances not only enable operators to cut costs but also hasten the introduction of 5G services, subsequently fueling the growth of the telecom tower market nationwide.
- Kenya's surge in mobile connections signals a rising demand for telecom and internet services in the region. As of January 2024, according to GSMA, Kenya boasted around 63.9 million mobile connections (excluding IoT), surpassing the country's population by 118.7%, suggesting many individuals are using multiple connections. Starting from January 2021, Kenya has consistently seen an uptick in mobile connections, beginning with a count of 58.3 million that year.
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Operator-Owned Towers to hold a Major Share
- In Kenya and other regions, the operator-owned tower business model, characterized by shared towers among multiple operators, is gaining traction. Telecom providers are increasingly consolidating tower infrastructure to cut costs and boost network coverage. This collaborative approach allows several operators to install their equipment on a single tower, leading to significant savings in construction and maintenance expenses.
- In Kenya, telecom companies gain direct control over their network infrastructure through operator-owned towers. This autonomy allows them to strategically position towers based on coverage requirements and priorities. Such control is vital, especially in bustling urban centers and remote rural locales, where customized network deployment is key to ensuring top-notch service quality.
- Beyond immediate benefits, operator-owned towers are viewed as strategic assets for future network growth. With a surging demand for mobile and data services—particularly in underserved regions—having dominion over tower infrastructure empowers operators to broaden their networks efficiently and swiftly adapt to market dynamics, thereby cementing their long-term market stance.
- As Kenya moves closer to 5G implementation, the ownership of towers facilitates smoother upgrades to the requisite technology. This adaptability is paramount for the rapid rollout of 5G, allowing operators to stay aligned with technological progress and cater to the escalating consumer appetite for high-speed data services.
- For instance, in January 2024 - Atlas Towers has forged partnerships with three leading carriers in Kenya: Safaricom, Airtel, and JTL. By prioritizing carrier satisfaction and offering a comprehensive solution, Atlas Towers has not only boosted tower efficiency but also solidified its reputation as a reliable partner for future endeavors.
- Telecom infrastructure in Kenya is witnessing a significant upswing. For instance, American Tower Corporation reported revenues nearing USD 500 million from Kenya between 2014 and 2023.
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Kenya Telecom Tower Industry Overview
The Kenya Telecom Tower market is fragmented, with the presence of major players like ATC Kenya, Eaton Towers Kenya Ltd., etc. Players in the market are adopting strategies such as partnerships, agreements, innovations, and acquisitions to enhance their service offerings and gain sustainable competitive advantage.
- December 2023 - To reactivate the 246 cell sites it had deactivated seven months prior due to outstanding debts, American Tower Corporation (ATC) requested an initial payment of KES 500 million (USD 3.26 million) and a monthly fee of KES 150 million from Telkom Kenya. The two companies have been embroiled in a dispute for the past two years, with ATC Kenya alleging that Telkom has not met its site leasing fee obligations.
- In October 2023 - According to Kenya's finance ministry, after a competitive process, the Infrastructure Corporation of Africa LLC (ICA), based in the United Arab Emirates, will acquire 60% of shares in Telkom Kenya from Helios, a private equity firm located in London.
Kenya Telecom Tower Market Leaders
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ATC Kenya
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Safaricom PLC
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Eaton Towers Kenya Limited
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Airtel Networks Kenya Ltd.
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Atlas Tower Group
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Kenya Telecom Tower Market News
- August 2024: Kenya Airways has partnered with Safaricom, a top telecommunications operator, to boost the airline's operational efficiency and elevate the customer experience. The collaboration seeks to roll out advanced technologies and innovative solutions in multiple facets of air travel and aviation services. Key areas of focus include enhanced in-flight Wi-Fi services, ensuring passengers enjoy superior connectivity throughout their journeys.
- May 2024: The Wilken Group Limited seeks qualified U.S. firms to submit their qualifications and proposals for a feasibility study. This study focuses on deploying new fiber and tower infrastructure along Kenya's Meter Gauge Railway, stretching from Mombasa to Malaba. The project's main goal is establishing a wholesale open-access fiber optic network and a series of 5G-capable towers along the railway. The chosen U.S. firm will receive a grant of USD 1,240,000, funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, to the Wilken Group.
Kenya Telecom Tower Industry Segmentation
The telecommunication market is largely concerned with the operations and provision of infrastructure for transmitting data - voice, image, sound, text, and video. To expand its network and services, the telecommunication market relies on towers, which are used to mount telecommunication networking and power equipment.
The Report Covers Kenya Telecom Tower Companies and the Market is Segmented by Ownership (Operator-Owned, Private-Owned, MNO Captive Sites), by Installation (Rooftop, Ground-Based), by Fuel Type (Renewable, Non-Renewable). The Market Sizes and Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Installed Base (in Thousand Units ) for all the above Segments.
| By Ownership | Operator-owned |
| Private-owned | |
| MNO Captive sites | |
| By Installation | Rooftop |
| Ground-based | |
| By Fuel Type | Renewable |
| Non-renewable |
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Kenya Telecom Tower Market Research Faqs
How big is the Kenya Telecom Tower Market?
The Kenya Telecom Tower Market size is expected to reach 3.23 thousand units in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 1.18% to reach 3.42 thousand units by 2030.
What is the current Kenya Telecom Tower Market size?
In 2025, the Kenya Telecom Tower Market size is expected to reach 3.23 thousand units.
Who are the key players in Kenya Telecom Tower Market?
ATC Kenya, Safaricom PLC, Eaton Towers Kenya Limited, Airtel Networks Kenya Ltd. and Atlas Tower Group are the major companies operating in the Kenya Telecom Tower Market.
What years does this Kenya Telecom Tower Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Kenya Telecom Tower Market size was estimated at 3.19 thousand units. The report covers the Kenya Telecom Tower Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Kenya Telecom Tower Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Kenya Telecom Tower Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Kenya Telecom Tower market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Kenya Telecom Tower analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
