Opera Mini, Safaricom extend free data deal as browser usage surges across Kenya

People browsing on their phones./FILE

Opera Mini and Safaricom have renewed their partnership to keep millions of Kenyans online through a free data campaign that will offer users 1.5GB of browsing data every month.

The two companies announced the extension on Wednesday, reaffirming their joint push to deepen digital inclusion across the country.

The offer applies to all new and existing Opera Mini users on the Safaricom network.

Users only need to open or update their Opera Mini app, after which the free data allocation is automatically activated.

Opera described the renewed partnership as a crucial step in enabling more Kenyans to access the internet without financial barriers.

“Our partnership with Safaricom aims to give every Kenyan the ability to connect to the web, learn, and create – without worrying about data limits,” said Jørgen Arnesen, EVP of Mobile at Opera.

“Opera Mini is the smart choice for anyone who wants to stay connected while making data-conscious decisions.”

The free data campaign has already had a measurable impact. Opera Mini reports a 13 per cent rise in monthly average users in Kenya since the offer returned.

Nearly half of Kenyan internet users—47 per cent—now rely on the browser weekly. This marks a 40 per cent jump from the beginning of the year.

Among Safaricom subscribers, the growth is even more striking. The browser has recorded a 93 per cent surge in daily active users and a 55 per cent increase in pages loaded.

Opera says the numbers confirm its dominance as a fast, reliable and data-saving tool for millions across Africa.

Safaricom noted that the renewed offer is part of its broader commitment to support customers navigating a rapidly expanding digital economy.

“This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to delivering meaningful value to our customers. By enabling 1.5GB of free browsing each month through Opera Mini, we are empowering millions of Kenyans to access the opportunities the internet provides,” said Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom

The announcement comes as Kenya’s digital landscape grows at record pace. The Communications Authority of Kenya reports that data subscriptions rose to 58.5 million as of June 30, 2025—a 27.3 per cent increase from the previous year.

With more Kenyans relying on mobile data, the demand for affordable and efficient browsing tools continues to intensify.

Opera Mini’s technology is designed for that reality. Its compression tools, download manager and offline capabilities help users save up to 90 per cent of mobile data.

The company also operates local data centres, including one in Nairobi, to enhance speed and reliability for Kenyan users.

The browser has also integrated free, unlimited AI features that allow users to write, search, translate and summarise content without additional data costs.

Opera says this aligns with Kenya’s fast-growing adoption of AI tools, particularly among younger users.

The renewed campaign is now active, and Opera is urging users to update their apps to enjoy the free monthly data.