Best VPNs for Kenya in 2024: Hands-on review

It can be frustrating when your favorite online services are only available in certain regions. This can limit the content you have access to depending on your location. Even popular platforms like BBC iPlayer or KTN in Kenya may not be accessible if you’re outside of their designated region. The good news is that there’s a simple solution. Using a VPN allows you to access your desired services while traveling in Kenya.

VPNs are highly effective at keeping your online activities safe by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a server in a different region. This process changes your IP address and allows for location spoofing. For example, by selecting a server in Kenya, you can easily bypass geographic restrictions and access Kenyan websites from anywhere.

We understand how important it is to have access to the content you love, no matter where you are. That’s why we’ve thoroughly analyzed our recommended VPNs, which we’ll discuss later in this post. If you’re short on time, we’ve provided a brief overview of the best VPNs for Kenya based on our hands-on review.

Best VPNs for Kenya

1. NordVPN: Our top choice for Kenya. Impressive speeds and above-average unblocking capabilities. Also offers plenty of customizable security features, a no-logs policy, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN. With solid speeds, a great record on privacy, and several advanced security options, this VPN lets you browse in Kenya without worrying about who might be watching.
3. IPVanish: A fast and lightweight service that puts your privacy first. Strong on security and keeps no logs. Unblocks a decent number of popular streaming platforms.
4. ExpressVPN: A security-conscious VPN boasting high speeds, a no-logs policy, and the ability to unblock all kinds of services abroad.
5. CyberGhost: Great for beginners. This service offers comprehensive security, reliable speeds, and strong unblocking potential at a very reasonable price point.
6. Hotspot Shield: Unlimited bandwidth, user-friendly apps, and great unblocking ability make this ideal for streaming. Also includes a wide range of security and privacy features.
7. PrivateVPN: This zero-logs provider lets users stream, browse, or torrent securely from anywhere, even Kenya. What’s more, it provides higher speeds than many of its rivals.

Best VPNs for Kenya – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Kenya.

Best VPN for Kenya

Every VPN is different, with some prioritizing security and others focusing solely on speed. Generally, though, it’s best to choose a well-balanced service that can handle all of the most commonly encountered tasks, like unblocking streaming sites or letting you torrent safely. This is why all of the VPNs we’re recommending share the following characteristics:

• Has a large network of servers, preferably with some in Kenya
• Provides consistently high speeds
• Can unblock some of the most popular region-locked services abroad
• Keeps you safe with cutting-edge security features
• Refuses to log any data that could personally identify you
• Offers apps for the most common operating systems

Let’s take a closer look at the best VPNs for Kenya:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024

NordVPN offers one of the largest networks of any provider, with more than 5,400 servers in 60+ countries (although not Kenya, unfortunately). This service has gained quite a following for its solid speeds and fantastic unblocking capabilities, but it also offers unlimited bandwidth, making it a strong choice for torrenting too. NordVPN allows you to connect up to six devices at once.

This VPN has plenty of advanced security features built-in. For instance, IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption, and an app-specific kill switch. That’s not all: it also offers automatic ad-blocking, malware-scanning, and access to special obfuscated servers designed to give you even greater privacy. Further, NordVPN keeps no logs and accepts cryptocurrency payments. Support staff are on hand 24/7 via live chat.

NordVPN has iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux apps. Certain routers are supported via manual configuration.

BEST VPN FOR KENYA:NordVPN is our top choice. It puts your privacy above all else and boasts a wealth of security features, a large network, and speedy servers that can handle whatever you throw at them. There’s also a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in more than 100 countries (although none in Kenya). It’s capable of securely accessing popular streaming services like Netflix and Sling TV, and provides reliable low-latency connections, which makes for flawless streaming. While many other VPNs restrict the number of devices you can connect to, Surfshark lets you simultaneously secure every device you own.

This VPN comes packed with advanced security features. To begin with, there’s WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and 256-bit AES encryption. Users can also enable automatic malware scanning and a NoBorders mode that lets you get around strict country-wide internet blocking. Surfshark is a zero-logs provider and as such, can’t reveal details of your activities under any circumstances. Need help? Contact support via 24/7 live chat.

Surfshark apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. However, manual configuration is required for use with supported internet routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is fast, and affordable, with unlimited bandwidth, no connection limit, and fantastic unblocking ability. Needless to say, this makes it a strong choice for Kenya, whether you’re looking to stream or just browse safely. It even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our comprehensive Surfshark review.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish users can connect to over 2,000 servers in 60+ countries. While there aren’t any Kenyan servers to choose from, this high-speed VPN does allow you to stream popular services like Netflix US and YouTube TV from anywhere in the world. Better still, it permits any number of simultaneous connections, which is far more generous than many of its rivals.

This service comes packed with a surprising number of security features given how lightweight its apps are. There’s 256-bit encryption, for instance, as well as DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, a local traffic blocker, and the option to scramble your OpenVPN traffic, making it harder to detect that you’re using a VPN. IPVanish follows a strict no-logs policy. Additionally, users can contact support staff over live chat, day or night.

IPVanish offers easy-to-use Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows apps. Further, with a little manual configuration, it can secure your home router and Linux system, too.

POWERFUL YET USER-FRIENDLY:IPVanish provides very fast speeds without compromising on security. What’s more, this no-logs VPN can reliably stream services like Netflix US from abroad. Still not convinced? A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

Why not check out the full review of IPVanish?

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN gives you the freedom to safely access all of your usual services in Kenya. In fact, it works with huge international platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, so there are very few services you won’t be able to use. Further, with 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, high speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and a five-connection limit, you can browse and stream safely, even when you’re away from home.

This service has impressive features designed to keep you safe online. User traffic is hidden using WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a country with no mandatory data retention laws, and accordingly, doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. Support staff can be reached (via email or live chat) around the clock if you have any issues.

ExpressVPN has apps for MacOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android. If you’d prefer, you can also install its custom router firmware to automatically secure any device on your network.

SPEEDY KENYAN SERVERS:ExpressVPN offers high-speed servers, excellent unblocking ability, and an impressive range of security features, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try it risk-free.

Read the complete ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is an excellent tool to help keep you safe if you’re an internet user in Kenya. With access to 10 servers in Kenya and over 9,000 servers across more than 90 countries, CyberGhost is known for its reliable speed and ability to unblock content. You can use CyberGhost on up to seven devices at once, which is excellent for those who use multiple devices to browse the internet.

One of the best things about CyberGhost is its ease of use. It has one-click security features that are automatically enabled, including 256-bit AES encryption, an always-on kill switch, protection against leaks, an ad-blocker, and a malware scanner. CyberGhost also has a no-logs policy, so your online activity won’t be tracked. You can reach their support team via live chat anytime you need help.

CyberGhost has user-friendly Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows apps. Plus, you can also manually set it up on compatible routers.

GOOD FOR NOVICES:CyberGhost is an affordable service that nevertheless boasts an impressive combination of speed, security, and versatility. In fact, it even works with stubborn services like Netflix US. This VPN comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

For more details, check out our full review of CyberGhost.

6. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield offers access to more than 1,800 servers in over 80 countries, including Kenya. This makes it an invaluable tool for watching region-locked content on platforms like Amazon Prime Video or BBC iPlayer when traveling abroad. What’s more, this service boasts consistently high speeds and unlimited bandwidth, so you’ll be able to watch free from lag and buffering.

Of course, VPNs are privacy tools, first and foremost. Hotspot Shield offers an impressive array of security features like 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, automatic wifi protection, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. What’s more, this service doesn’t keep any personally identifiable data after your session is over, meaning you can browse without worrying about snoopers. Should you need any help, live chat-based support is available around the clock.

Hotspot Shield apps are available for Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Android. Additionally, this VPN can be manually installed on some wireless routers.

WATCH TV ABROAD:Hotspot Shield makes it easy to watch your favorite shows abroad. It also provides reliable, secure connections and is fast enough for uninterrupted live streaming and torrenting. A 45-day money-back guarantee is included.

Interested? Take a look at the full Hotspot Shield review.

7. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is faster than many other providers, which helps make up for the fact that it only has around 200 servers. These are spread throughout 63 countries, and as PrivateVPN can bypass all but the most stringent geo-blocking, it’s ideal for watching your favorite shows on Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video while in Kenya. Users can connect up to 10 devices at any given time.

When it comes to security, this service has you covered. It uses 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection to keep you safe online. Further, PrivateVPN’s no-logs policy ensures that your activities remain private even after your session ends. This VPN’s support team is available most hours of the day, and staff can even remotely connect to your device if you need them to.

PrivateVPN subscribers can download apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and Windows. It can also be manually installed on supported routers.

EXTREMELY HIGH SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is exceptionally fast, and is known for its fantastic unblocking abilities. However, it’s also a highly secure service and one that doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever. As if this wasn’t enough, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee as well.

We go into even more detail in the complete PrivateVPN review.

How to browse the web safely in Kenya using a VPN

Not sure how to get started with VPNs? They’re actually very easy to use. Follow the steps below to browse safely wherever you are in the world.

Here’s how to set up a VPN in Kenya:

1. Start by signing up for a suitable VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app on whichever devices you use the most. For context, most services let you connect five or so devices at the same time.
3. Log in and connect to a server in your desired location (you’ll need a US server to watch HBO, for instance, or a British one for BBC iPlayer).
4. If you’re looking to access Kenyan websites from abroad, however, you’ll need to choose a Kenyan server to get an IP address from Kenya.
5. You’re now protected from snoopers and should be able to access region-locked services from the country your chosen server is in. If not, clear your cookies and reload the page, or contact your VPN’s support staff for further assistance.

Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for Kenya

When it comes to choosing a VPN, there’s a lot to consider. For instance, is it fast enough for your needs, and can it keep your identity hidden? We carefully considered the most important factors for someone visiting Kenya and came up with the following list of mandatory requirements for our top VPNs:

• Server choice: Simply put, the more servers you have to choose from, the more options you have for getting a low-latency connection. This also grants access to a wider range of content since most streaming services are only available in select countries.
• Speed: Naturally, we only recommend services that are fast enough for day-to-day tasks like streaming, torrenting, and video calling. Better still, we run these tests ourselves, meaning we can back up our claims with hard data.
• Streaming ability: Plenty of VPNs can unblock a service or two, but most run into trouble with larger platforms. That’s why we test them against a battery of services, including BBC iPlayer, ESPN, Sling TV, HBO Max, and Disney+ to see which works the most reliably.
• Security and privacy: To ensure you’re as anonymous as possible online, we only recommend VPNs with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a no-logs policy. Of course, additional security tools are always welcome.
• Pricing: We’ll never recommend a service that charges more than it’s worth. What’s more, if a discount, trial, or money-back guarantee is available, we’ll let you know.

Read our full explainer post to learn more about Comparitech’s testing process.

Kenya VPN FAQs