Safaricom has launched a managed Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) service targeting medium-sized businesses with multiple branches, offering network management, equipment, security, maintenance and 24/7 support under a fixed monthly fee.
The service starts at Sh9,500 per branch per month on a 36-month contract, with no upfront hardware costs.
SD-WAN enables businesses to combine multiple connectivity options, including fibre, 4G, 5G, broadband, dedicated internet access and MPLS, into a centrally managed network. The system can automatically switch traffic to a backup connection when the primary link fails, helping businesses maintain critical operations such as payments, inventory management and online ordering.
The service also prioritises business-critical applications, while integrated security and threat protection reduce the need for separate firewall equipment at individual branches.
Safaricom is offering the service under Basic Plus, Standard Plus and Advanced Plus packages, with customers able to choose 12, 24 or 36-month contracts. The Basic Plus package costs Sh19,800 per branch monthly on a 12-month contract compared to Sh9,500 on a 36-month contract.
The Standard Plus package costs Sh14,100 per branch per month on a 36-month contract, while the Advanced Plus package for headquarters starts at Sh 67,100 per month.
According to Safaricom, the solution is designed for businesses including banks, retailers, distributors, manufacturers and healthcare providers that rely on stable connectivity across multiple locations.
Through its Ready Mobility offering, businesses can also deploy new branches using 4G or 5G connectivity where coverage is available, before transitioning to fibre when required.
Businesses can retain connectivity from other providers while using Safaricom’s SD-WAN service. A central dashboard allows IT teams to monitor network performance across sites, while Safaricom engineers provide round-the-clock monitoring and support.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the service is intended to help businesses reduce downtime and expand their operations without significant upfront investment in network infrastructure.
The SD-WAN service is billed separately from connectivity, with the final network design and package determined by each customer’s requirements.
Businesses can request an assessment or demonstration through their Safaricom Business relationship manager by emailing business@safaricom.co.ke or by visiting https://business.safaricom.co.ke/products/SDWAN
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