Poa Internet raises $4M for affordable Kenyan connectivity

Kenyan internet service provider Poa Internet has secured $4 million in debt financing, backed by Finland’s Finnfund, to enhance its network capabilities and expand access to affordable broadband in underserved communities across Kenya. The funding marks another step in the company’s mission to close the digital divide and provide reliable, low-cost internet access to remote areas.

Expanding Network Capacity for Underserved Regions

The $4 million funding injection will be used to bolster Poa Internet’s broadband infrastructure and extend its coverage to new communities. As part of the financing agreement, telecommunications giant Nokia will partner with Poa Internet as its fiber technology provider. This collaboration aims to strengthen Poa Internet's ability to deliver high-speed, affordable internet to underserved neighborhoods.

In his remarks on the funding, Poa Internet CEO Andy Halsall emphasized the transformative potential of broadband connectivity. "Abundant broadband connectivity is a fundamental enabler for trade, education, healthcare, and government services. Using Finnfund’s financing and Nokia’s fibre infrastructure, we will be able to bring Poa’s highly affordable internet service to even more Kenyan communities and increase their digital inclusion", Halsall stated.

Strengthening Kenya-Finland Partnerships

The foundation for this funding was laid during a strategic meeting in May, when Finland’s President Alexander Stubb visited Poa Internet. This meeting outlined plans to extend affordable internet access to low-income households, a move projected to unlock new opportunities for education, business, and community transformation.

Kelvin Kiiru, Investment Associate at Finnfund, expressed the organization’s enthusiasm for supporting the initiative, stating, "We are excited to support Poa Internet in expanding its provision of high-speed internet to lower-income areas in Kenya. Improving digital connectivity through affordable broadband supports economic growth and enables inclusive access to remote work, education, healthcare, and financial services."

Addressing Kenya’s Connectivity Gap

Since its launch in 2017, Poa Internet has focused on providing accessible internet services to Kenya’s low- and middle-income neighborhoods. With a 13.8% market share and a subscriber base of 238,030 as of the second quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year, the company is now the fourth-largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the country. Poa Internet’s street WiFi connections play a key role in its expansion, allowing the company to compete with major providers such as Safaricom Home, Faiba by Jamii Telecommunications Limited, and Zuku.

Despite Kenya’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading digital economies, internet penetration still faces significant challenges. While over 40% of Kenyans have internet access, according to a May 2025 report by the Communications Authority of Kenya, high-speed broadband remains largely concentrated in urban areas. Barriers such as cost, infrastructure gaps, and limited purchasing power contribute to low internet adoption in rural and low-income regions.

Poa Internet aims to overcome these challenges with its street WiFi network, enabling greater access to digital services such as online education, financial tools, and healthcare services. The company’s operations span cities like Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, and Ngong, with continued expansion into areas such as Donholm, Jogoo Road, Umoja, Ngong, and Rongai.

A Model for Digital Inclusion

The $4 million funding, supported by the European Union and the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, highlights the role of public-private partnerships in advancing digital inclusion across Africa. By leveraging partnerships with organizations like Finnfund and Nokia, Poa Internet is uniquely positioned to help bridge Kenya’s connectivity gap and create new opportunities for underserved communities.

With its continued focus on affordability and innovation, Poa Internet is poised to accelerate Kenya’s digital transformation, fostering greater access to trade, education, and essential services for all.

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