Iristel set to enter the Kenyan market

Canadian Telecommunications company, Iristel, is gearing up to enter the Kenyan market after winning a court battle with Safaricom, the leading mobile service provider in Kenya. The move comes as Kenya's technology sector continues to attract global attention, with a focus on voice and internet services. Iristel's CEO, Samer Bishay, spoke to CNBC Africa about the company's plans and vision for the Kenyan market. Before the court case with Safaricom, Iristel had what they believed to be a good relationship with the mobile service provider. However, tensions arose when Iristel announced its plans to launch in Kenya. Safaricom alleged that Iristel would engage in SIM boxing, posing a threat to national security. Bishay expressed confusion over these allegations, stating that Iristel operates in multiple countries without such issues. The regulator ruled in Iristel's favor, but the dispute caused delays in Iristel's entry into the market. Despite the challenges, Iristel remains optimistic about the opportunities in the Kenyan market. Bishay highlighted Kenya's tech-savvy population, robust infrastructure, and rapidly growing economy as factors that make it an attractive market for telecommunications companies. Iristel aims to create an ecosystem where other operators and channel partners can leverage their infrastructure to launch customized communication services, catering to the diverse needs of Kenyan consumers. When asked about how Iristel plans to stay afloat in a competitive market, Bishay emphasized the company's 23 years of global experience and its ability to pivot quickly to meet consumer demands. He also stressed the importance of partnerships in driving innovation and enhancing service delivery. Bishay believes that collaboration with competitors can lead to the development of unique products and services that benefit the end user. Looking beyond Kenya, Bishay sees opportunities for growth in other African countries. Iristel views Kenya as a stepping stone into the African market and is considering expansion into neighboring countries. Bishay lauded Kenya's forward-thinking regulators for creating a conducive environment for telecommunications companies to thrive and expressed optimism about launching new products and services in the region as they gain a deeper understanding of the African market. With Kenya boasting the highest mobile penetration in Africa at 61% and internet penetration at 42%, there is significant room for growth and innovation in the telecommunications sector. Bishay believes that by fostering healthy competition and collaboration, companies like Iristel can drive technological advancement and improve connectivity for consumers across the continent.