Best MikroTik Routers for an ISP Startup in Kenya
Starting an ISP in Kenya requires reliable, cost-effective networking gear. MikroTik offers excellent routers for deployments of all scales, from small startups to established ISPs. Below are the top MikroTik routers ideal for Kenyan ISP startups, balancing performance, scalability, and affordability.
1. MikroTik hEX (RB750Gr3) – Best Budget Router
Best for: Small ISP nodes, branch offices, or backup routers
Price: KSh 7,000 - 9,000
Why Choose It: The hEX is an excellent entry-level router for small ISPs. It features a dual-core 880 MHz CPU that handles basic routing efficiently. With five Gigabit ports, it's perfect for small-scale distribution. The router has low power consumption, which helps save on electricity costs. It comes with RouterOS featuring full capabilities including QoS, VPN, and firewall support.
Limitations: The hEX lacks SFP fiber support, which limits connectivity options. It's not ideal for high-load VPN scenarios or large user bases exceeding 300 users.
2. MikroTik hEX S (RB760iGS) – Best for Fiber Uplinks
Best for: Small ISP PoPs with fiber backhaul
Price: KSh 9,000 - 12,000
Why Choose It: The hEX S offers the same specifications as the hEX but adds a crucial SFP port for fiber or long-distance links. This makes it ideal for ISPs connecting to fiber backhaul. It features improved switching performance while maintaining excellent power efficiency.
Limitations: The router is comfortably limited to around 500 users, making it suitable for small to medium deployments but not for larger operations.
3. MikroTik L009UiGS – Budget Rackmount Option
Best for: Small ISP racks or distribution points
Price: KSh 15,000 - 20,000
Why Choose It: The L009UiGS provides better performance than the hEX for slightly larger deployments. It features a dual-core 1 GHz CPU and nine Gigabit ports with one SFP port, making it fiber-ready. The 1U rackmount design fits standard server racks, providing a professional deployment option at a budget-friendly price.
Limitations: While more powerful than the hEX series, it's not as capable as the RB4011 for high-performance scenarios.
4. MikroTik RB4011iGS+RM – Best Mid-Range Rackmount
Best for: Core routing for small ISPs (500-1000 users)
Price: KSh 25,000 - 30,000
Why Choose It: The RB4011iGS+RM is an excellent choice for established small ISPs. Its quad-core 1.4 GHz CPU handles 1Gbps+ routing easily. With ten Gigabit ports and one SFP+ port, it's future-proof with 10G uplink capability. The rack-mountable design ensures professional deployment, and it excels at QoS, multi-WAN, and VPN configurations.
Limitations: The higher cost compared to desktop models may be a consideration for budget-conscious startups.
5. MikroTik RB5009UG+S+IN – Ultra-High Performance
Best for: Large ISPs, data centers, or high-capacity deployments (1000+ users)
Price: KSh 26,000 - 30,000
Why Choose It: The RB5009UG+S+IN delivers exceptional performance for high-load scenarios with its quad-core ARM CPU. It features nine Gigabit Ethernet ports providing excellent port density. The router includes dual fiber connectivity with one SFP+ port (10Gbps) and one SFP port (1Gbps). It comes with RouterOS Level 5 featuring the full feature set, plus a USB 3.0 port for additional connectivity options. This router is ideal for ISPs planning to scale beyond 1000 users.
Limitations: The higher price point and advanced features may be overkill for small startups just getting started.
6. MikroTik RB951Ui-2HnD – Wireless Hotspot Solution
Best for: Small wireless hotspots or last-mile Wi-Fi
Price: KSh 8,000 - 10,000
Why Choose It: The RB951Ui-2HnD is perfect for wireless deployments. It features built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi supporting up to 300Mbps, making it good for small coverage areas. It includes five Fast Ethernet ports for basic wired distribution.
Limitations: The lack of Gigabit ports limits wired speeds to 100Mbps. The single-core CPU may struggle with heavy usage scenarios.
Recommendations for Kenyan ISP Startups
| Use Case | Best Router | Ethernet Ports | SFP Ports | CPU | RouterOS Level | Max Users | Price Range (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless hotspot | RB951Ui-2HnD | 5x Fast Ethernet | None | Single-core | Level 4 | 50-150 | 8,000 - 10,000 |
| Budget wired distribution | hEX (RB750Gr3) | 5x Gigabit | None | Dual-core 880 MHz | Level 4 | 200-300 | 7,000 - 9,000 |
| Fiber-connected PoP | hEX S (RB760iGS) | 5x Gigabit | 1x SFP (1Gbps) | Dual-core 880 MHz | Level 4 | 300-500 | 9,000 - 12,000 |
| Budget rackmount option | L009UiGS | 9x Gigabit | 1x SFP (1Gbps) | Dual-core 1 GHz | Level 4 | 300-600 | 15,000 - 20,000 |
| Core rackmount router | RB4011iGS+RM | 10x Gigabit | 1x SFP+ (10Gbps) | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Level 5 | 500-1000 | 25,000 - 30,000 |
| Ultra-high performance | RB5009UG+S+IN | 9x Gigabit | 1x SFP+ (10Gbps), 1x SFP (1Gbps) | Quad-core ARM | Level 5 | 1000+ | 26,000 - 30,000 |
Note: Prices are approximate for 2025 and may vary based on supplier and market conditions.
Final Tips for Kenyan ISPs
Start small with hEX or hEX S, then scale to RB4011 as your business grows. Use RB951Ui-2HnD for last-mile Wi-Fi deployments in estates or cafes. The L009UiGS serves as a good rackmount alternative if RB4011 is beyond your budget. For ISPs planning to scale beyond 1000 users or requiring high-capacity routing, the RB5009UG+S+IN is an excellent investment. Always factor in Kenyan power stability and consider a UPS for critical routers to ensure uninterrupted service.
Note: ISP Centre and the author have no business association with MikroTik.