Doing Business in Kenya

Internet Access

Doing business in Kenya & Wireless Internet

When I was in Kenya over the summer, I was told that I could access internet with my blackberry phone. All I had to do was get a Ksh 2000 airtime voucher from a safaricom agent or dealer so that my phone could be registered.

So you can imagine the speed with which I got the voucher and registered for the service.

It never worked. Much to my frustration, I went to many agents asking what the problem was. Rather than get to the bottom of why the internet did not work with my phone, they tried to sell me all sorts of gadgets like blue tooth.

Eventually, I spoke to one of the safaricom dealers he took me through the process which involved using the Blackberry PC Suite which would enable me to use the Safaricom internet services without the need to buy a modem.

It never worked for me as I had not carried the PC suite with me to Kenya, but I thought it was a good deal because for only Ksh 2000, you get unlimited access to internet for a month and you dont need to buy the Safaricom Plug In Modem for about Ksh 3000.

Coffee Houses & Internet:

Wow, this one is a big one. I was so suprised how coffee houses have changed over the last two years since I was home. Most of these posh coffee houses have free wifi and it makes doing business in Kenya a real joy.

Infact, they even have power supply units! I tell you, this took me by utter suprise! All you need to do is order your coffee and drink it for as long as it take........well - that's what I used to do.

For coffee houses with free Wifi, try these ones;

Java Coffee House
Nakumatt Junction
Dagoretti

Dormans Coffee House
Nakumatt Junction
Dagoretti

Java Coffee House
Koingange Street

Java Coffee House
Adams Arcade,
Kilimani

Internet Cyber Cafe's

There are thousands of internet cyber cafes in Kenya. Literally thousands. Infact, almost all commercial trading buildings are likely to have one.

They all charge from Ksh 50 cents to Ksh 30 - really depends on which one you go to.

Some have good speeds and some are frustratingly slow. Some have good machines and other make you want to cry for mercy.

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