Safaricom Launches Remote eSIM Service to Connect Kenyans in the Diaspora

Safaricom has launched a remote eSIM service for diaspora customers, enabling them to register and activate an electronic SIM without needing a physical card.

This move aims to improve connectivity for Kenyans living abroad. The new service addresses the long-standing challenges faced by Kenyans in the diaspora, who have often struggled to access Safaricom’s network. Obtaining a SIM card from Kenya typically required purchasing one in person or having it sent by relatives, both of which were costly and prone to delays. 

Managing airtime and M-Pesa transactions from outside Kenya added to the inconvenience. With the eSIM, users can activate the service instantly from anywhere in the world, bypassing the need for physical cards. This digital SIM is embedded directly into compatible devices, offering users a more secure and convenient solution. 

Safaricom estimates that around four million Kenyans abroad will benefit from the service. To register, customers must provide certified identification documents, including a passport page with personal details, an immigration stamp showing departure from Kenya, and a copy of their National ID. 

The documents must be certified by a Notary Public or a Kenyan Embassy to ensure authenticity and prevent fraud. If automatic verification is unsuccessful, additional checks may be performed at Safaricom outlets, though certification typically resolves such issues.

The eSIM service provides several advantages. Users can host multiple numbers on a single device, switch operators without changing hardware, and avoid the physical damage risks associated with traditional SIM cards. Frequent travellers will benefit from uninterrupted connectivity across borders, while Kenyans in the diaspora will no longer need to wait for shipments or pay international delivery fees.