Airtel Kenya is the fastest-growing telecom operator in Kenya, with 24 Million Active SIM subscribers as of the time this article was written. And the best thing yet is that Airtel is quickly exploring the internet space with plans to launch a home fibre service to rival popular Internet service providers, including Safaricom Home Fibre, Zuku, and many more.
Still, Airtel Kenya has taken the internet space in Kenya by storm through the aggressive launch of various WiFi router packages and even the expansion of 5G network coverage in multiple countries. By the way, Airtel Kenya’s network infrastructure spans over 3,200 sites, covering an impressive 89% of the country across all 47 counties.
Airtel has specialised in offering 5G home routers and highly portable pocket WiFi solutions, making them more affordable for anyone to access high-speed internet. Therefore, if you are looking to buy these gadgets, understanding their prices and the Internet packages offered is essential to ensuring that you get the best value for your money. Here is all that you need to know and understand.
Airtel 5G Router And Packages
As of 2025, Airtel has increased its 5G coverage nationwide, covering up to 39 counties and 285 wards. There are over 690 operational 5G sites, and plans are to add 1,000 more before 2026. Therefore, if you are looking for the best router that Airtel offers, the 5G ones stand out because they feature higher speeds compared to the 4G, especially in regions where 5G signals are strong.
Important Note on Pricing: While Airtel’s 5G routers were initially offered for free, they cost KSh 2,999 as of late 2025, making them competitively priced against other providers like Safaricom, which charges similar amounts for their 5G router hardware.
Airtel supports two types of 5G routers as follows:
Airtel 5G Smart Connect – Outdoor Unit
As its name suggests, the Airtel 5G Smart Connect is made explicitly for outdoor use but also works well indoors due to its high-gain antenna, which provides a strong and consistent signal, enhancing network reception inside buildings.
Since it’s specifically made for outdoor units, it also features a Weather-Resistant Design, making it suitable for performing reliably in all weather conditions. It supports multiple devices and 5G networks, allowing you to access internet connections where a 5G network is supported.
You can buy this device for KSh 2,999 by visiting any Airtel Shop in the country (I have also touched on how you can order it online at the end of the article). Note that Airtel charges a connection fee of KSh 1,000, which covers professional installation and initial setup to ensure optimal performance. In addition, its usage requires subscription to different data plans as follows:
| Bundle Name | Speed | Validity | Price (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G 15Mbps _ 30 days | 15 Mbps | 30 days | 1,999 |
| 5G 30Mbps _ 30 days | 30 Mbps | 30 days | 2,999 |
Who Should Choose This: Ideal for users in areas with weak indoor 5G signal who need reliable outdoor reception, or those setting up internet for large compounds or businesses requiring extended coverage.
Airtel 5G Smart Connect Router
The Smart Connect router is the indoor-focused 5G router type offered by Airtel Kenya in the 5G series as of 2025. These routers are specifically meant for indoor connectivity, and they’re high-performance devices designed to provide fast and stable broadband connectivity for homes and offices.
It supports connection to up to 32 devices (or 16 devices for specific models), making it well-suited for households or small offices requiring multiple simultaneous internet connections. This router supports backward compatibility with 3G and 4G LTE networks, ensuring seamless internet access where 5G might not be fully available.
The router is priced at KSh 2,999 with an optional installation cost of KSh 1,000 (installation is recommended for optimal placement and configuration). The router supports various data plans ranging from Ksh 1,999 to Ksh 5,000 with different speed tiers as shown below:
| Plan | Speed / Data | Validity | Price (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G 15Mbps – 30 Days | 15 Mbps | 30 Days | 1,999 |
| 5G 30Mbps – 30 Days | 30 Mbps | 30 Days | 2,999 |
| 5G Smart Connect Ultra – 300GB (10GB/day) | 10 GB / day | 30 Days | 2,999 |
| 5G Smart Connect Ultra – 600GB (20GB/day) | 20 GB / day | 30 Days | 5,000 |
Who Should Choose This: Perfect for families, small offices, or users who primarily need indoor internet access and want to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
Airtel 4G WiFi Routers
While 5G is the current next-generation network that Kenya is shifting towards, 4G networks remain the most widely used network in Kenya, with extensive coverage nationwide, especially in areas where 5G is not yet available. Airtel supports two main types of 4G devices as follows:
Airtel 4G Pocket WiFi
The 4G pocket WiFi is strictly designed for users needing reliable internet on the move. It is priced at KSh 3,000 and comes with free 5GB data once you buy it. Its pocket-friendly design makes it stand out and fits easily in a bag or pocket, making it perfect for travel, work, or study anywhere.
It also features up to 6 hours of battery life and supports 10 simultaneous WiFi connections. It also offers several data plans ranging from as low as Ksh 250 to Ksh 2,500 with various data tiers as indicated in the table below:
| Plan | Data / Daily Allocation | Validity | Price (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G Pocket WiFi – 3GB | 3 GB | 7 Days | 250 |
| Bazuu 7.5GB (250MB/day) | 250 MB / day | 30 Days | 500 |
| 4G Pocket WiFi – 7.5GB | 7.5 GB | 30 Days | 500 |
| Bazuu 30GB (1GB/day) | 1 GB / day | 30 Days | 1,000 |
| 4G Pocket WiFi – 30GB | 30 GB | 30 Days | 1,000 |
| 4G Pocket WiFi – 60GB | 60 GB | 30 Days | 1,500 |
| Bazuu 90GB (3GB/day) | 3 GB / day | 30 Days | 2,000 |
| 4G Pocket WiFi – 120GB | 120 GB | 30 Days | 2,500 |
Airtel 4G Smart Connect
This is the premium 4G option, specifically tailored for homes and small offices seeking fast, stable 4G internet. It is priced at KSh 4,500 and offers various data packages with speeds up to 10Mbps, ensuring continuous browsing and streaming for multiple users.
Its best features include an extended WiFi range and support for up to 32 simultaneous device connections. It also supports Ethernet LAN ports, providing wired connectivity options for desktops or other devices needing stable, high-speed access. Its battery offers up to 4 hours of backup power, suitable for short power interruptions or portable use.
Its data plans are as follows:
| Plan | Data / Daily Allocation | Validity | Price (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G SmartBox – 40GB | 40 GB | 30 Days | 2,000 |
| Bazuu 90GB (3GB/day) | 3 GB / day | 30 Days | 2,000 |
| 4G SmartBox – 70GB | 70 GB | 30 Days | 3,000 |
| 4G SmartBox – 100GB | 100 GB | 30 Days | 4,000 |
How To Install And Manage Your Router
If you cannot personally purchase your Airtel Router at any Airtel Shop nationwide, you can still buy any of the Airtel routers we have discussed above online and have it delivered to any location near you.
All you need to do is visit the page https://www.airtelkenya.com/broadband-discover-new, where you will see the various types of Airtel routers listed. Here you can navigate to the one you have settled for and click on the “Buy now” button to make your purchase. Here, make sure that you fill in the following details:
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Building Name
- Street Adress
- Select region ( Area of Coverage) + Nearest Landmark
- EMail ID
When done, click on Submit.
If everything goes well, Airtel customer care representatives will contact you within 24-48 hours for assistance with installation. It is recommended that you also have your original identification document ready for SIM registration purposes, since all the routers require this for data purchases and account verification.
I recommend going with the official installation, which costs KSh 1,000. The main benefit is that this fee covers optimal router placement for best signal reception, initial configuration, WiFi network setup with secure passwords, and basic troubleshooting training.
If you need to manage your routers personally, you must register on a separate portal using the link https://www.airtelkenya.com/broadband/#/user/register. Here, make sure that you provide your Wi-Fi mobile number and your primary mobile number linked to your account first, and verify your account to proceed. Once inside, you can manage your router, including making data purchases, scheduling reminders before your plan expires, checking data usage, and monitoring connected devices.
Airtel contacts
If you need help with any issues you are facing, you can reach out to Airtel Kenya for assiatnce by visiting the page:
| No. | Category | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Customer Care (Toll-Free) | Dial 100 from Airtel line |
| 2 | Customer Care (Other Networks) | 0733 100 100 / +254 733 100 100 |
| 3 | Postpaid Support | Dial 200 |
| 4 | Home Broadband Support | Dial 400 |
| 5 | Official Outbound Call Line | 0733 100 000 |
| 6 | Airtel Money Support | Dial 100 → select Money option, or call 0733 100 100 |
| 7 | WhatsApp Support | +254 100 301 301 |
| 8 | Email – General Inquiries | customerservice@ke.airtel.com / customercare@ke.airtel.com |
