How to Start an ISP in Kenya and Set Up Your Billing System

Starting an ISP in Kenya: The Basics

Kenya's Communications Authority (CA) has streamlined ISP licensing, making it more accessible for entrepreneurs to start small internet service providers and WISPs. Once licensed, you will need the right infrastructure — including an ISP billing system to manage customers, payments, and MikroTik routers.

Step 1: Get Your CA ISP Licence

Apply for a Licence to Operate (LTO) and a Licence to Provide (LTP) from the Communications Authority of Kenya. Categories relevant for most WISPs include the Internet Service Provider (ISP) licence and the Data Communications Service Provider licence. Application fees and timelines vary — visit ca.go.ke for current requirements.

Step 2: Set Up Your Network Infrastructure

Most small Kenyan ISPs start with:

• A reliable upstream ISP connection (fibre transit or wireless backhaul)
• MikroTik routers for distribution (CHR, RB series, or CCR for larger networks)
• Access points for wireless last-mile delivery

MikroTik's RouterOS is the standard in Kenya due to its affordability and RADIUS support, which integrates directly with your ISP billing system.

Step 3: Choose Your ISP Billing System

Your ISP billing system handles customer management, invoicing, M-Pesa payment collection, and MikroTik router management. For a new Kenyan ISP, look for:

• A free trial to test the system before committing
• M-Pesa integration (STK Push + Paybill) for automated billing
• MikroTik RADIUS for automated account activation/suspension
• Affordable ISP billing system pricing in KES with no setup fees

Jasiyo is designed for exactly this use case — new and growing Kenyan ISPs who need a professional billing system without a large upfront investment.

Step 4: Get Your M-Pesa Paybill

Register for an M-Pesa Paybill number through Safaricom Business. Once active, connect it to Jasiyo via the Safaricom Daraja API. Your ISP billing system will then automatically receive and reconcile M-Pesa payments from customers.

Step 5: Onboard Your First Customers

With your ISP billing system configured:

1. Add customers in Jasiyo with their phone number, address, and plan
2. Jasiyo creates their PPPoE account on MikroTik automatically
3. Customer pays via M-Pesa → Jasiyo activates their connection instantly
4. Automated SMS billing reminders keep payments on track

Start Your ISP Billing System Free

Jasiyo offers a free trial — the ideal way to set up your ISP billing system as you launch your Kenyan internet provider business. No setup fees, no credit card required.

Start your ISP billing system free at jasiyo.com →