Best VPN for Kenya in 2024?

Freedom House’s Freedom on the Net 2021 report ranks Kenya’s online freedom as “partly free”, with a score of 66/100 (0 = least free, 100 = most free). While online censorship in Kenya is not systematic, the state has increased its efforts to block and filter online content that it sees as being immoral or defamatory.

Kenyan internet users face the usual fears of being monitored online, and also lack access to geo-blocked content from around the globe.

Will A VPN Protect Me in Kenya?

For these reasons, it makes sense for Kenyan internet users to investigate the security and privacy advantages, as well as the geo-blocked content unblocking powers, that a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers.

A VPN encases your internet connection in a tunnel of protective encryption. Much like a train or highway tunnel, the encrypted tunnel protects all traffic flowing through it from sight.

The benefit of this is twofold. First, your online activities can’t be monitored, and second, since it can’t be monitored, it can’t be blocked or filtered.

A VPN also has the ability to route your internet connection through a VPN server located in another region of the world, temporarily assigning your device a new IP address, one assigned to the country where the VPN server resides.

This opens up access to geo-blocked content, including that offered by streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and numerous others.

In this article, I’ll provide details about the top seven VPNs for use both inside and outside of Kenyan airspace.

How to Use a VPN To Protect Your Online Activities in Kenya

It’s easy to use a VPN to protect and enhance your Kenyan online activities. Just follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider, like NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
3. Log into the VPN provider’s network.
4. Select a VPN server located in another country to access geo-blocked local content in that country, or select a server located inside of Kenya to access Kenyan content from outside of the country, or to protect your online activities from being monitored while inside of the country.
5. Enjoy your newly-protected and enhanced internet access!

Note: If you’re having trouble accessing geo-blocked content in other countries, it may be because your browser cache and cookies have location identifiers. Clear those. If you’re still having trouble, contact your VPN service provider’s customer support, as there may be some servers that are better than others for unblocking content.

Best VPNs for Use in Kenya

These seven top VPN providers proved to be the best options for reliable VPN protection for Kenyan users.

Here’s the short and sweet version:

1. NordVPN: #1 VPN for Kenya. This top-ranked provider offers fast connections that are protected using military-grade encryption, and that reliably offer access to geo-blocked content around most of the globe.
2. Surfshark: Bargain VPN protection for Kenya. This is the budget-priced VPN offering in this roundup, offering a fast-growing global server network, fast connections and reliable online security and privacy, all for a low price.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium Kenyan VPN protection. Although this VPN provider carries a higher price tag than others on this list, it provides an excellent return on investment. The provider offers the top connection speeds on this list, an impressive server network and reliable access to geo-blocked content for most popular devices.
4. CyberGhost: Good option for VPN first-timers. For those of you who are new to the VPN scene, this could be the provider for you. Easy-to-use apps for most popular platforms provide protected access to a massive global server network, providing easy-to-use protection and enhancement for your online travels.
5. Private Internet Access: Reliable Kenyan VPN protection. This VPN’s global server network provides well-protected and fast access to geo-fenced content from most of the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: Small, yet mighty VPN network. This provider’s global server network is admittedly small. However, it spreads its servers around fairly well. The provider’s fast connections provide reliable access to geo-controlled content.
7. Atlas VPN: Quality VPN protection. This provider’s global server network could definitely stand to be bigger. That said, it provides fast, reliable access to content in the countries where its servers are located.

These providers were ranked according to the following factors:

• Global server coverage (bonus points for Kenyan servers)
• Online security and privacy protections
• Connection speeds
• Native app support
• Customer support options

The seven best VPNs for Kenya are:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is my #1 recommendation for the best way to protect and enhance your online activities from inside of Kenyan borders.

With over 5,500 servers stationed in nearly 60 countries around the world, NordVPN provides reliable access to content around most of the globe. The provider’s owned-and-operated servers keep outside contractors away from your personal information.

Your NordVPN connections are all protected by government-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak prevention. Ad and malware blocking are available, as is “Double VPN” protection that provides added encryption and anonymity by routing your connection through a duo of VPN servers.

A strict no-server-logs-ever policy and a cryptocurrency subscription payment option protect you on the privacy end of things. Plus, all NordVPN servers are operated 100% from RAM, with no data whatsoever being written to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data on the server is completely wiped when the server is rebooted or shutdown.

This provider’s download speeds provide all of the bandwidth you need to enjoy HD and 4K video streaming, online gaming, sharing large files and much more. The provider never spoils your day with data caps or bandwidth throttling.

NordVPN’s app support includes options for the Windows, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux and Android TV device platforms. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is compatibility with numerous router makes and models.

Up to six devices can be connected to NordVPN servers at the same time.

Customer support options include around-the-clock support chat, email support and a searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR KENYA:NordVPN is my top recommendation for VPN protection both inside and outside of Kenyan borders. The service provides fast, well-protected connections via a large global server network for a large number of devices and routers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is recommended for Kenyans on a tight budget in search of champagne-level VPN protection at a beer-bottle price.

Once upon a time, Surfshark came up short in the global server coverage category, but has impressively improved its server numbers in recent years, growing it to its current 3,200+ server count, sprinkled among 65 countries around the globe.

All of those servers provide well-protected connections thanks to the use of banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection to keep things secure. An optional “Multi-Hop” server option routes your connection through a duo of VPN servers for doubled-up encryption and anonymity.

There are never any server logs saved on Surfshark servers, and a Bitcoin payment option is also available to protect your privacy.

Surfshark connections easily handle gaming, HD video streaming and any other popular online activities. The provider never throttles your connection speeds or puts data caps on your usage.

Surfshark’s app support includes offerings for the iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, macOS (with native M1/M2 support), Windows and Amazon Fire device platforms. Browser extensions for the Chrome, Edge and Firefox platforms are also available, as is comprehensive router support.

Surfshark does not put a limit to the number of devices that can connect at once to its servers using a single set of login credentials.

Around-the-clock customer support options include 24/7 support chat, a support contact form and a searchable support library.

BEST BARGAIN-PRICED VPN OPTION:Surfshark offers reliable access to geo-blocked content via its fast-growing (and fast) global server network and its apps for multiple device platforms (and an unlimited number of devices at once), all at a bargain price. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN’s premium VPN services do come at a premium price, although it is still an attractive option for those willing to pay a bit more for top-notch protection.

The provider’s global server network is quite impressive, as it has 3,000+ servers in 90+ countries around the globe (Kenya included).

ExpressVPN’s online connection protections include government-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch option, and IP/DNS leak protection.

A no-user-logs server policy and a Bitcoin payment option protect your online privacy. The provider’s proprietary “TrustedServer” technology runs all server operations from RAM, never writing data to a hard drive. This ensures that all data is wiped clean with each reboot.

Fast connections are the rule from ExpressVPN, with plenty of no-data-cap bandwidth for streaming, gaming and all of your favorite online activities.

As far as app support goes, the provider has offerings for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Chromebook, Linux and Windows device platforms. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are also available, in addition to extensive router support.

Users can simultaneously connect up to 5 devices using a single user account.

ExpressVPN provides around-the-clock customer support thanks to a 24/7 live support chat option, email support, a trouble ticket system and a searchable knowledge base.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION:ExpressVPN is admittedly the most expensive VPN option on this list. However, it should also be noted that it offers an impressive return on investment. The provider has one of the largest global server networks in the industry, excellent online security and privacy, and app offerings for most popular devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

Internet users who have little to no VPN experience will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use service.

The provider’s large global server network is made up of 7,600+ servers based in Kenya and 89 other countries around the globe. Many of those servers are optimized for streaming and file downloading.

All CyberGhost-provided connections are protected using military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention and an automatic kill switch. CyberGhost also offers ad and tracker blocking, malware protection, and the ability to force websites to serve up secure versions of their pages.

A no-server-logs-ever policy and a cryptocurrency subscription payment option have things covered on the privacy end of things.

The provider’s super-fast connections can handle HD streaming, online gaming and other online activities, and there is never a worry about the fun being cut short because of data caps or bandwidth throttling.

CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps for the Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome and Firefox extensions are also available, as is extensive router compatibility. Up to 7 devices can connect at once on an account.

In addition to comprehensive VPN services, CyberGhost also offers other services, including Windows antivirus and anti-malware protection, a password manager, warnings when your email is exposed in a data breach and much more.

The company’s 24/7 support chat, email support, a trouble ticket system and searchable support database provide around-the-clock access to customer support.

GOOD VPN OPTION FOR ROOKIE USERS:Users with little to no experience with VPN services will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use but powerful VPN service. The provider’s large global server network delivers fast, well-protected connections for a variety of popular devices. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable access to content around the globe.

The provider’s global server network boasts more than 3,300 servers well spread among over 80 countries. This provides excellent access to geo-fenced content in many areas of the globe.

PIA uses government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention and kill-switch protection to protect its customers’ connections. Ad, tracker, malware and malicious website blocking is also available.

All PIA servers run free of user logs, so there are no records to expose your online activities. Cryptocurrency payment options help keep your subscription payment information incognito, especially when you use a tossable email address to sign up.

While PIA’s download speeds are not as fast as other provider’s on this list, it provides more than enough bandwidth to easily handle popular online activities. No data caps or connection throttling to worry over when using this provider.

PIA offers native app support for Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing. The provider’s router support protects all of your router-connected devices.

Users can concurrently connect up to 10 devices to PIA’s servers.

PIA has you covered when it comes to customer support, with live support chat, a trouble ticket form, and a searchable support database.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR KENYANS:Private Internet Access provides reliable online security and privacy, while providing access to geo-protected content located around the world. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

While PrivateVPN performs quite well in many VPN service categories, it falls a bit short in at least two categories.

When we take a look at this provider’s global server network, we immediately see that this is the first of the categories where it falls short. The provider currently has a modest network of a little over 200 servers. However, they are strategically placed in 63 countries.

Now, let’s take a look at one of the categories where PrivateVPN excels, online security and privacy. The VPN service uses military-grade encryption, a kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection to keep its users’ online travels incognito. Plus, a “Stealth VPN” option hides users’ VPN activity, making it appear to be normal browser traffic.

As for the privacy end of things, that’s well taken care of via the provider’s Bitcoin payment option and a no-server-logs policy.

PrivateVPN’s fast connections can handle any popular online activities, including gaming, streaming and more. The provider imposes no data caps or bandwidth limitations of any kind.

App support is the second category where PrivateVPN is a bit limited, as it provides offerings only for the Android, iOS, macOS and Windows device platforms. That said, those are the most popular device platforms. Manual Linux setup instructions are available, and while no browser extensions are available, the provider’s router features will protect your other devices.

Up to six devices can connect at once on the same username.

While the provider says it offers around-the-clock support chat, the chat balloon isn’t always green, which indicates that someone is running the chat box. Email support and an FAQ help section are also available.

DISGUISES YOUR VPN ACTIVITY:PrivateVPN brings a set of definite pros and cons to the VPN table. While it could stand some improvement in two categories, overall, it offers above-average VPN service. The provider’s “stealthy” connections hide your online activities. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

Kenyan residents or visitors will appreciate Atlas VPN’s quality VPN protection.

The provider’s global server network, made up of 750+ servers spread among close to 35 countries, is admittedly a bit on the small side. That said, the server network delivers reliable access to geographically-fenced content in the regions where it has servers.

Atlas VPN’s online connection protection includes Banking-grade encryption, a kill switch and other protective measures. As proprietary Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus protective options help protect you and your device from various online perils, including unwanted ads.

Its servers run completely sans usage logs, meaning no records are kept of your online antics. Unfortunately, no cryptocurrency payment option is available.

This provider’s fast connections provide plenty of horsepower for your favorite online activities. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to worry about here.

Atlas VPN offers native app support for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV devices. Unfortunately, the provider currently lacks Linux support, browser extensions, and router support. However, the company says all three features are in development.

An unlimited number of devices can be connected at once to Atlas VPN servers on a single set of login credentials.

While only paying subscribers get access to live support chat, everyone has access to email, a contact form, and a support library.

UNLIMITED PROTECTION:Atlas VPN’s reliable online security and privacy is available for most popular connected devices. Access to geo-challenged content around much of the globe is available. A 30-day money-back guarantee available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Kenya

Since Kenya’s internet access is considered as “partially free”, any VPN service provider that you consider should offer optimal online security and privacy protections. Never select a VPN provider without first considering its features and performance.

Below, you’ll find the categories that I always consider whenever I assess VPNs for a particular purpose. This time around, the subject is protecting and enhancing your internet connection while inside Kenyan borders:

• Connection speeds: According to Speedtest.net, Kenyan internet connection in many locations are under 20 Mbps. This makes a VPN’s bandwidth an important factor to consider. If you choose one of the VPNs on my list, you’ll find they do not slow your connection down to a useless level..
• Global server network: If you’re looking for access to content stationed in Kenya (or other countries), make sure you choose a VPN that has servers located there. Plus, look at how many servers are located in that region. The more servers, the better the performance you should see, as no individual server will be hit with too many users.
• Value: A VPN provider’s value can best be determined by comparing the features and functionality it offers with its asking price. All of the VPNs on my list offer an excellent value.
• Ease of use: A VPN should offer apps for the devices you use, Those apps should also be easy to use. Each VPN on my list offers easy-to-use apps for many popular device platforms.
• Security and privacy: A VPN’s primary purpose is to protect your online security and privacy. A VPN should offer, at the very least, banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-logs policy is also a must.
• Streaming: Video streaming is arguably one of the popular activities for VPN users. So, I recommend VPNs for their ability to unblock and stream video streaming services. The VPNs on my list offer reliable access to numerous streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and others.

This isn’t where my research ends. Evaluating the above factors is merely a part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-based approach allows me to analyze and to better understand each VPN and its services. This allows me to recommend only those that are a good fit for your needs.

Why Can’t I Use a Free VPN in Kenya?

While you can maybe find a free VPN that works in Kenya, you are going to be giving up convenience, performance and full privacy protections.

Free VPNs are anything but convenient to use. First off, many free VPNs don’t offer apps for all popular device platforms, and they also usually lack browser extensions and router support.

You may be forced to wait for a short period of time before being allowed to connect to a free VPN server. Once you are given the green light, you’ll possibly be faced with a tiny number of VPN servers to connect to, or you’ll simply be connected to a server of the provider’s choosing.

Once you get connected, you’ll likely see your connection speeds slow way down. This is because VPN providers want to preserve their available bandwidth for their paying customers. You’ll also likely run into daily or monthly data caps on your free usage.

Last but certainly not least, free VPNs don’t necessarily understand the “private” part of “Virtual Private Network.”

Many free VPN providers will track their free users’ online activities, then sell that valuable information to advertisers and other nosy third-parties.

Some free VPNs have even been caught inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browsing sessions. And those tracking cookies continue to stick around, even after you disconnect from the free VPN service provider’s servers.

I can’t blame you for wanting to save money. However, a free VPN is not the best way to save a few bucks.

What Else Does a VPN Do For Me?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) protects your online activities from being monitored by outsiders, while also providing access to geo-blocked online content that you usually wouldn’t have access to.

A VPN protects your online activities from being monitored or tracked by encrypting your internet connection. This presents nosy folks, like hackers, the government or your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from tracking your online travels.

An encrypted VPN connection is quite a good tool to protect you while using public WiFi hotspots. WiFi hotspots – such as those found in coffee shops, hotels and other public locations – are notoriously non-secure, making them popular hangouts for bad actors who enjoy monitoring other users’ online activities while sipping their half-caff, no foam, strawberry mocha lattes.

A VPN’s encryption prevents those bad actors from spying on or stealing your personal, business or financial information.

A VPN also comes in handy at home.

Even though your WiFi network may be encrypted, your connection from your router to your ISP is not. This allows your ISP to monitor your online activities, possibly blocking or throttling your connection if they “catch” you engaging in frowned upon activities like sharing files with a P2P client or streaming from “unapproved” streaming sites.

By using a VPN, you can prevent your ISP from knowing what you’re up to, so they won’t be able to throttle your connection speeds.

A VPN also enhances your access to content around the globe thanks to its ability to temporarily assign a new IP address to your connected device. Since IP addresses not only uniquely identify your device, but also identify your general geographic location, a new IP address in another country opens up access to geo-blocked content in that country.

Conclusion

Internet users in Kenya, as well as any other part of the world, are strongly advised to take advantage of the online security and privacy protections, as well as the expanded access to geo-blocked online content, that a reliable VPN service offers. My top pick for most reliable Kenyan VPN services is NordVPN.

NordVPN delivers comprehensive online security and privacy, protecting you from the perils of the internet. The provider also delivers reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe via its large global server network. The provider offers app support for most popular device platforms, and its customer support is always available.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.

Kenya VPN FAQ