Kenya’s fourth-largest internet provider just secured $4 million to expand its unusual approach to broadband access. Poa Internet received the debt funding from Finland’s Finnfund in late August 2025, with Nokia providing fiber technology support.
The investment targets communities traditional telecom companies often skip. Instead of expensive fiber-to-home installations, Poa Internet builds street WiFi networks that serve entire neighborhoods from strategic access points.
Their pricing model stands out in Kenya’s internet market. At KES 450 per week or KES 1,570 monthly for unlimited home WiFi, Poa Internet charges roughly what many Kenyans spend on mobile data in just days.
Poa Internet’s Street WiFi Strategy Gains Ground
Founded in 2015, Poa Internet avoided direct competition with telecom giants like Safaricom. The Nairobi-based company focused on building WiFi networks accessible from streets rather than individual homes.
This approach proved effective. Poa Internet now serves 238,000 customers across Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, and Kisumu, capturing 13.8% market share by Q2 2024/2025.
“We are focused on providing Internet to urban communities rather than rural areas,” CEO Andy Halsall said. The company targets underserved urban neighborhoods where expensive fiber installations remain uncommon.
Nearly all the $4 million funding will purchase customer equipment and technology deployment rather than geographic expansion. Halsall emphasized deepening penetration in existing markets over entering new territories.
Nokia Partnership Strengthens Technical Foundation
The Finnish connection extends beyond funding. Nokia serves as Poa Internet’s preferred fiber technology partner, supporting infrastructure rollout with solutions.
This partnership emerged during Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s visit to Poa Internet’s Kawangware operations in May 2024. The president observed how affordable residential internet services transform low-income communities.
“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,” Halsall stated.
European Union Backs Digital Inclusion Goals
The investment receives support from the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus. This backing demonstrates broader international commitment to bridging Africa’s digital divide.
“This investment in Poa Internet is bringing high-speed, affordable internet to more under-served neighbourhoods and vibrant communities in Kenya’s cities,” said EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger.
The EU framework specifically supports rural connectivity solutions, data access, and digital solutions across sub-Saharan Africa. Poa Internet’s urban focus fits within these broader digital inclusion objectives.
Market Position Challenges Traditional Models
Poa Internet’s success from startup to fourth-largest ISP in less than a decade suggests traditional telecom models miss significant market segments. While established players compete on premium services, Poa Internet carved out space between expensive fiber and limited mobile data plans.
“We aim to offer a great service at the best price. The funding we have raised will help us to provide our unlimited internet to more customers, but also ensure that our pricing and service stays ahead of the competition.” Halsall said about competition.
The company’s measured expansion contrasts with typical telecom land-grab strategies. Rather than rushing into new markets, Poa Internet focuses on serving existing communities better.
Technology Infrastructure Drives Expansion Plans
The $4 million investment will primarily fund customer equipment and network infrastructure improvements. Nokia’s fiber technology partnership provides technical backbone for service quality and reliability.
This infrastructure focus addresses common concerns about alternative internet models. Street WiFi networks require robust technical foundations to deliver consistent service across diverse urban environments.
The funding arrangement also strengthens Finland-Kenya bilateral relations through commercial partnerships. Finnish companies gain African market access while Kenyan consumers benefit from advanced telecommunications technology.
Innovative approaches like Poa Internet’s street WiFi model may prove essential for reaching communities traditional providers leave behind. The $4 million investment tests whether neighborhood-focused internet can scale from local solution to national infrastructure.
