Safaricom Home Fibre vs. Zuku vs. Jamii Telkom: A 2025 Nairobi Home Internet Showdown

 In 2025, a fast and reliable home internet connection is no longer a luxury in Nairobi; it's the essential backbone of our daily lives. It powers everything from remote work and online learning to streaming the latest shows on Showmax and connecting with family over video calls. But with several major players competing for your subscription, the choice can be overwhelming.

Safaricom Home Fibre, Zuku, and Jamii Telkom (JTL) are three of the most prominent Internet Service Providers (ISPs) across the city. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. To help you make the best choice for your household, we've created this detailed, up-to-date comparison based on the key factors that truly matter.

1. Speed and Performance: What You Pay For vs. What You Get

The advertised speeds are what catch your eye, but real-world performance is what counts.

• Safaricom Home Fibre: Known for its consistency. While they may not always offer the absolute highest speeds on paper, their network is generally stable, meaning you are more likely to experience speeds close to what you subscribe to. Latency (or "ping") is typically low, making it a solid choice for online gaming and stable video conferencing.

• Zuku: Often leads the pack in terms of offering high speeds for a lower price. Their top-tier plans can be incredibly fast, which is great for heavy downloading and 4K streaming. However, performance can sometimes be inconsistent during peak hours (evenings and weekends) in densely populated areas, a phenomenon known as network congestion.

• Jamii Telkom (JTL): JTL's key advantage is its "symmetrical speeds." This means your upload speed is the same as your download speed. For the average user who mostly consumes content (downloads), this isn't a huge deal. But for content creators, YouTubers, architects, or anyone frequently uploading large files to the cloud, this is a game-changing feature that can save hours of waiting.

2. Pricing and Plans (as of August 2025)

Value for money is a top priority for everyone. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect, noting that prices and offers can change.

Provider	Entry-Level Plan (Approx.)	Mid-Tier Plan (Approx.)	High-End Plan (Approx.)
Safaricom	10 Mbps @ KES 3,200	40 Mbps @ KES 5,500	100 Mbps @ KES 12,500
Zuku	15 Mbps @ KES 2,800	60 Mbps @ KES 5,000	200 Mbps @ KES 10,000
JTL	20 Mbps @ KES 4,000	50 Mbps @ KES 6,000	100 Mbps @ KES 15,000

• Installation Costs: All three providers frequently have offers for free installation, but it's crucial to confirm this when signing up, as standard installation fees can range from KES 3,000 to KES 6,000.

3. Customer Service and Reliability

When your internet goes down, you want help—fast. This is often the biggest differentiator.

• Safaricom: Generally considered to have the most robust and responsive customer service infrastructure. With multiple channels including phone support, USSD, and a strong presence on social media (X/Twitter), getting a response is usually quick. Their network reliability is also widely regarded as a key strength.

• Zuku: Customer service has historically been a pain point for many users. While they have made efforts to improve with WhatsApp support and other channels, response times can still be slow, and resolving technical issues can sometimes take longer than desired.

• JTL: Sits somewhere in the middle. Their customer support is generally seen as more responsive than Zuku's but perhaps not as extensive as Safaricom's. As a smaller player, they can sometimes offer more personalized attention.

The Verdict: Who is the Best ISP for YOU?

There is no single "best" provider for everyone in Nairobi. Your ideal choice depends entirely on your needs, budget, and location.

Choose Safaricom Home Fibre if:

• Reliability is your absolute top priority.

• You need consistently stable speeds for critical work-from-home tasks and video calls.

• You are willing to pay a slight premium for responsive customer service.

Choose Zuku if:

• You are budget-conscious and want the fastest possible download speeds for your money.

• You are a heavy streamer and would benefit from their bundled TV and telephone packages.

• You live in an area with a good track record for their network stability.

Choose Jamii Telkom (JTL) if:

• You are a content creator, streamer, or professional who needs fast upload speeds.

• You frequently upload large files to cloud storage, servers, or for work.

• You prioritize pure network performance over bundled extras.

Before making a final decision, always use the provider's online coverage checker to confirm availability in your specific estate or apartment building. It’s also a great idea to ask your potential neighbors about their experience with the providers available in your area.

What has your experience been? Let us know in the comments below—your feedback could help someone else make the right choice!