Safaricom Unveils SD-WAN Service from KSh9,500, Helping Multi-Branch Businesses Stay Connected
By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
NAIROBI, October 8, 2026 — Safaricom has launched a managed Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) service designed to help businesses with multiple branches operate their connectivity as one centrally managed network.
The new service starts at KSh9,500 per month per branch on a 36-month contract, with equipment, software, maintenance and 24/7 support included, eliminating the need for businesses to make an upfront investment in hardware.
One network, multiple connections
Safaricom says the service is designed to address connectivity challenges faced by businesses operating across branches, depots and clinics, where a single failed connection can disrupt payment terminals, teller services, stock systems and other critical operations.
The SD-WAN technology combines different connectivity options—including fibre, 4G, 5G, broadband, dedicated internet access and MPLS—into one centrally managed network.
When one connection fails, traffic can automatically switch to a backup link, while available connections can also be balanced during normal operations. This helps businesses keep critical services running while making better use of secondary connections.
The service also prioritises important applications such as customer payments and video calls over non-essential browsing, while built-in security and threat protection reduces the need for separate firewall hardware at every branch.
“For a business with several branches, a single connection failure can stop sales, leave staff unable to reach the systems they need and keep customers waiting. Our SD-WAN service brings those connections under one managed network for a predictable monthly fee, so businesses can expand without a large upfront investment in hardware, with Safaricom providing the support,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom PLC.
Three plans available
Safaricom is offering Basic Plus, Standard Plus and Advanced Plus packages on 12-, 24- and 36-month contracts.
The Basic Plus package costs KSh9,500 per month per branch and KSh29,500 per month for headquarters equipment on a 36-month contract.
The Standard Plus plan costs KSh14,100 per month per branch and KSh30,400 for headquarters, while the Advanced Plus headquarters package starts at KSh67,100 per month.
Safaricom says longer contracts significantly reduce monthly costs. For example, a Basic Plus branch costs KSh19,800 per month on a 12-month contract compared with KSh9,500 on a 36-month contract.
The service targets medium-sized businesses with distributed operations, including banks, retailers, distributors, manufacturers and clinic chains.
Through its Ready Mobility offering, businesses can also open new branches using 4G or 5G where coverage is available, before adding fibre as their operations expand.
Businesses can retain existing connections from other providers, while a central dashboard allows IT teams to monitor the health and speed of every site. Safaricom engineers in Kenya will provide round-the-clock monitoring and support.
The SD-WAN fee is separate from connectivity, with the final package and network design determined by each customer’s requirements.
