Each of the options above has its unique selling points, but overall, ExpressVPN is the top pick, thanks to its excellent security features and top-drawer streaming performance. Aside from online security concerns, some websites and streaming services like Netflix have blocked Kenyan IP addresses. For instance, you won’t be able to access a Netflix US library while in Kenya. A VPN spoofs your location, enabling you to watch geo-blocked content. Ready to go through our list? VPN Overview has examined and tested dozens of VPNs, and below, we’ll show you which ones rank as the best VPN for Kenya.
The Seven Best VPNs for Kenya
Before we dig deep into our list of the seven best VPNs for Kenya, here’s a quick overview of our top five. Now that we have a fair idea of the VPNs on our list, we’ll unpack each of them and discover why they made the cut. Let’s start with the overall best: ExpressVPN.
1. ExpressVPN: Lightning-fast Netflix VPN with servers in Kenya
Features:
Automatic kill switch Works with Netflix and other streaming services Large server network Accepts Bitcoin Offers OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and Lightway protocols
ExpressVPN’s server spread is impressive. It has VPN server locations in 94 countries and is one of the few VPNs with a server in Kenya. This means that you can get a Kenyan IP address to watch popular local stations like Citizen TV and NTV when you’re out of the country. Furthermore, the VPN easily bypasses geo restricted sites and offers access to over 20 Netflix libraries, including the US, Europe, Japan, Canada, the UK, and Australia. Aside from Netflix, ExpressVPN unblocks major streaming platforms such as Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Apple Tv, and Roku. Because ExpressVPN is a lightning-fast VPN, you won’t have to worry about lags and buffering wheels while streaming HD movies or downloading large files. Unlike most free VPNs, you get unlimited bandwidth with ExpressVPN, so you can binge-stream your favorite shows without restriction. Furthermore, the VPN supports up to five devices, meaning you can share your subscription with your family. In addition to unblocking content, it provides exceptional protection to its ExpressVPN users. It uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption, has an automatic kill switch, and follows a strict no-logging policy to protect user data. Plus, the VPN uses obfuscated servers, making it hard for anyone to know you’re using a VPN. ExpressVPN’s main downside is that it’s a bit pricey, with the one-year deal costing $6.67 per month. If you have doubts about the service, you can take it for a test run using a 30-day money-back guarantee. Our in-depth ExpressVPN review will help you learn more about the service.
2. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly VPN with 10 servers in Kenya
Features:
Large server network Ten servers in Kenya User-friendly interface 45-day money-back guarantee OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard
If you’re new to VPNs and you want easy-to-use VPN software with a no-logs policy, CyberGhost is a good bet. The mobile and desktop apps are simple, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Plus, the features are well-organized, so you should have no trouble finding any of them. One of CyberGhost’s standout features is Smart Rules, which allows you to customize the VPN to suit your needs. For example, you can set the VPN to launch a specific app right after it connects. In addition, CyberGhost has quite an extensive server network: over 9,200 servers in 91 countries and 115 locations. Most VPNs don’t have servers in Kenya, so it’s quite a feat that CyberGhost has ten servers in Kenya. This means that you can get a Kenyan IP address without hassle. It also unblocks Netflix without struggle. CyberGhost is budget-friendly, as well. The two-year plan costs just a little over $2, one of the cheapest two-year plans on the market. All its plans are covered with a 45-day money-back guarantee. To learn more about this VPN, read our CyberGhost review.
3. NordVPN: Premium VPN with a trove of security features
Features:
Automatic kill switch Malware blocker Double VPN servers Unblocks Netflix OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), IKEv2/IPSec, NordLynx protocols
NordVPN is our overall best VPN, but it comes third in this list because it has no servers in Kenya. Plus, it’s not the most pocket-friendly option. That said, NordVPN gets everything right, especially regarding security. NordVPN offers an impressive lineup of basic and advanced security features, which make the VPN an excellent choice for people who handle sensitive data and are targets for tracking. You get military-grade AES-256 encryption, which is virtually uncrackable, and a stict no-logs policy. It also has an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection, which ensures that your IP address and online traffic are not leaked. You can encrypt your internet connection more than once using the double VPN servers. Considering Keyan’s growing attacks, the threat protection feature is handy, since it blocks malware and phishing attacks. The VPN boasts a whooping 5,500 global network of VPN server locations located in 60 countries, the closest to Kenya being in South Africa. This network of servers can help you unblock different foreign Netflix libraries, including those in the UK, the US, Japan, the Netherlands, and Canada. Plus, the VPN can unblock other streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max. NordVPN’s monthly plan starts from $11.99, while the yearly plan starts from $4.99. The two-year plan is usually around $3.50 per month and comes with three months free (although deals and discounts tend to differ depending on when you get a subscription). Read our full-length NordVPN review, or take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee to try it out.
4. Surfshark: Affordable VPN for Kenya with unlimited simultaneous connections
Features:
Budget-friendly VPN Useful security features, including CleanWeb and the camouflage mode Unlimited devices, bandwidth, and data OpenVPN and WireGuard Protocols (IKEv2 available on mobile platforms)
If you’re on a tight budget, Surfshark is worth a shot. The two-year plan costs around $2 monthly, and you get two months free. However, pricing is not the only ace up Surfshark’s sleeves. It packs a suite of helpful features to help you stay safe while using the internet in Kenya. First is the CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts. If you’re a journalist or you handle sensitive information, you’ll find the camouflage mode handy. It hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, enabling you to bypass online censorship and geoblocks. Add that to the fact that you get a kill switch, leak protection, and a variety of protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard), and you have a secure VPN on your hands. Many premium VPNs, including ExpressVPN and NordVPN, limit the number of devices you can connect to simultaneously. However, Surfshark has no such limits. You can share one subscription with as many devices as you want. It also has unlimited bandwidth and data, so you don’t have to worry about throttling while using the VPN. The VPN has over 3,200 servers worldwide, but none in Kenya, so you won’t be able to get a Kenyan IP address with Surfshark.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Privacy-focused VPN for Kenya that accepts cryptocurrency
Features:
Ad/malware blocker Dedicated IP OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP Cryptocurrency payment
If none of the first four options mentioned above work for you, PIA is a wildcard choice. It doesn’t have servers in Kenya, nor is it the most secure of the lot, but the VPN still has a lot going for it. It has servers in 84 countries, and its South African server is the closest to Kenya. PIA offers many helpful security and privacy features, including a kill switch, dedicated IP, and a built-in ad blocker, which keeps ads, malware, and trackers at bay. It also comes with the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, which are top-notch VPN protocols to give you a fine mix of speed and security. Although PIA has a monthly plan and a one-year plan, the sweet spot is the three-year plan, which costs around $2 per month. Plus, you get three months free. The good news is that with PIA, you can pay with cryptocurrency. That way, you don’t have to share any details with the VPN. Learn more about this useful VPN service in our full-length PIA review. If you want to test it yourself, there’s a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. IPVanish: Torrent-friendly VPN for Kenya with free antivirus
Features:
Comes with VIPRE antivirus if you purchase a yearly subscription Fast servers in over 75 locations worldwide Unlimited simultaneous connections Allows torrenting End-to-end encryption for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more
Are you getting a VPN primarily to download files over the internet? If so, IPVanish is the best choice for you. It allows the use of torrenting on their servers, making it one of the better VPNs to use when you need to visit The Pirate Bay. Not only that, but you also get VIPRE antivirus for free when you purchase a yearly subscription. The integrated kill switch is also essential for torrenting, as it prevents your IP address from leaking. Although it doesn’t have servers in Kenya, it does have multiple servers in Johannesburg, South Africa and 2,000+ servers total worldwide. Like other premium VPNs, IPVanish uses AES-256 encryption to protect your internet traffic. It also offers a scramble function to hide your VPN use. You can choose between several protocols for browsing, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, WireGuard, and more. The downside of using IPVanish is that it logs temporary data, such as your name, IP address, language settings, device type, operating system, and country of residence. According to the company, it’s in the process of developing diskless RAM memory, which should ensure that user data is not saved. If you’re interested in trying IPVanish and VIPRE antivirus, check our full review of the VPN service or visit their website to avail a 30-day money-back guarantee. An IPVanish subscription costs around $3.75 per month if you pay annually.
7. ProtonVPN: Secure VPN for Kenya with an office suite
Features:
Offers ProtonMail, a privacy-focused email service, together with ProtonCalendar and ProtonDrive Secure, open-source software Headquartered in Switzerland Accepts Bitcoin Offers a free service with unlimited data but few VPN servers
ProtonVPN is one of our favorite VPNs to recommend, as it comes with a free VPN service with unlimited data for people who want to try the provider. The company is also behind several privacy-oriented office apps, such as ProtonMail, ProtonCalendar, and ProtonDrive. So, if you need a secure, all-in-one subscription for work-related services, Proton has you covered. Of course, ProtonVPN is not a perfect VPN service. Its free option only lets you connect to servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan. The premium option has servers in South Africa and lets you use dedicated P2P servers (for torrenting). It’s not the cheapest VPN out there either at around $5 a month. However, ProtonVPN has proven to be secure, with its AES-256 encryption, strict no-logs policy, and VPN protocol selection (OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2). You also get to connect Secure Core servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden, creating a double-tunnel for your internet connection. Learn more about ProtonVPN in our full review, or visit their website through the button below.
How We Picked the Best VPNs for Kenya
In choosing the best VPN service providers for Kenya, we considered the following questions:
What security features does the VPN have for internet users? Does it unblock Netflix and other streaming platforms? Does the VPN slow down your internet connection significantly? How easy is it to use the VPN? Does the VPN have servers in Kenya? Is the VPN cost-effective, and does it offer a money-back guarantee?
You can use these questions as a cheat sheet if you want to do your own research and find a VPN service to use in Kenya. Our guide on how to test VPNs for speed and security will give help you know how to test a VPN yourself. Note that if a VPN scores high marks in one section doesn’t necessarily make it a good one for Kenya. For example, HMA VPN (formerly Hidemyass VPN) has two servers in Nairobi, but its woeful privacy policy keeps it off this list.
Why Use a VPN in Kenya?
Kenya scores a 68 out of 100 in terms of internet freedom, with anonymity remaining a concern for many Kenyans. In March 2022, the Kenyan government ordered the shutdown of unregistered SIM cards. Citizens who own unregistered SIM cards can face a fine of up to Sh300,000 (2,476 USD or 2,214 GBP). In 2019, it also asked journalists to take down articles that are critical of government officials. There are also reports that the Kenyan government is a customer of Circles, a surveillance company providing products that can monitor calls, texts, and cell phone location. Evidence suggests that the Kenyan government also uses the known surveillance software. A virtual private network can help, to some extent, to protect user anonymity. It hides your real IP address and displays a different IP address to your internet service provider, your government, and the websites you visit. VPNs like Surfshark also come with features that block trackers, malware, and phishing attempts. IPVanish also offers a free antivirus program if you get an annual subscription, which adds another layer of defense against malicious software. Aside from protecting your online activities from spying eyes, a VPN will also:
Help you gain access to geo-restricted sites and content Secure your internet traffic when torrenting Hide your data and activity while using public wi-fi
VPNs to Avoid
Not all VPNs are created equal. This is why we review them extensively to find vulnerabilities that hackers can expose. In our experience, premium VPNs are almost always trustworthy (although they’re not always infallible). Meanwhile, some free VPNs collect user data and sell them to advertisers or other third parties. So, how do you know which VPNs to steer clear of? Here’s a list: To learn more about suspicious VPN providers or find the best VPN for Kenya yourself, visit our section with VPN reviews.
Unblock Netflix and Protect Your Privacy with the Best VPN for Kenya
Using a VPN is a smart way to browse the internet anonymously and safely in Kenya. After carefully examining and testing several VPN services, we put together our best VPN for Kenya list. Here’s a recap of the VPNs that stood out: Traveling to other countries? Check out our articles on the best VPNs all over the world:
Best VPN for Russia Best VPN for China Best VPN for Iran Best VPN for Nigeria Best VPN for Canada Best VPN for Qatar
