When a client calls Karibu Connect to report a Starlink connectivity issue — often after a self-installation or relocation — our engineers always begin with one question: “Does the dish have a clear line of sight to the sky?”
It may sound like a technical detail, but this single factor determines whether Starlink can work at all.
Starlink doesn’t rely on towers or cables. It connects directly to satellites in low-Earth orbit — and that means the dish needs a wide, unobstructed view of the sky to maintain a stable connection.
In Kenya, this connection tends to follow a north-facing sky path, which makes placement not just important, but mission-critical. If something gets in the way of that view — a wall, a tree, a roof overhang, even a water tank — the dish experiences what technicians call an obstruction event.
An obstruction event happens when the dish’s view of the sky is blocked — even partially.
Because the satellites are constantly moving, the dish needs an uninterrupted, wide view of the sky to maintain a strong and stable connection. When that view is blocked, users often notice disruptions: video calls freeze, websites stall, or the internet cuts out entirely for seconds or longer.
In some cases, the system will eventually recover on its own, but frequent or constant obstructions lead to recurring interruptions, resulting in frustratingly unreliable service. For users in time-sensitive environments, the impact of those few seconds or minutes can be both disruptive and costly.
Which is why a clear, unobstructed sky view is non-negotiable.
When clients visit us to purchase a kit, we advise — and strongly recommend — installation by our certified experts. Many opt to have their kits installed by our certified experts right away. Others try to set up the dish themselves, only to call us later about poor speeds or dropped connections.
When we investigate, the cause is usually the same: poor dish placement.
We often see dishes installed indoors behind windows, tucked under verandah roofs, or mounted too close to tall walls. Sometimes the dish is placed “just by the window,” assuming that this is enough — but it’s not.
Starlink dishes actively adjust to track fast-moving satellites overhead. Any blockage in their path — even slight — stops that tracking motion, which breaks the signal. And because the satellites move in a dynamic constellation, the dish must have visibility across a wide arc of the sky to maintain continuous uptime.
Even strong IT teams often make mounting errors, prioritizing safety over visibility — and sacrificing performance in the process due to concerns like theft, harsh weather, or limited rooftop space.
While these are valid concerns, placing the dish where it’s “safe but blocked” is not a solution. It’s a compromise — one that affects speed, stability, and overall reliability.
Hiding the dish isn’t the solution. Instead, smart mounting — using poles, brackets, or elevated rooftop spots — ensures the dish can see the sky without exposing it to undue risk.
In forested areas, for example, this may require raising the dish above the tree line using a tall pole or mast, or finding natural clearings where the canopy opens up enough to provide sky access.
In mountainous terrain, the dish is usually placed at the highest available point on a building or ridge, angled to take advantage of any slope that opens the view to the sky. In some cases, custom mounts, extended poles, or rooftop brackets are used to elevate the dish above nearby obstructions.
Balancing line of sight with practical concerns like theft or vandalism is something the engineers we work with think about every day — especially in parts of Kenya where security risks are real. While Starlink dishes aren’t common targets for casual theft, we still recommend locked mounts and high placements to prevent tampering where necessary.
Another key concern with exposed setups is corrosion.
Corrosion is a serious concern in environments where salty air, heavy rains, or constant humidity are part of daily life. Over time, these elements can eat away at the dish’s metal components, weaken mounting structures, and damage exposed connectors or cables.
That’s why in areas prone to corrosion — like coastal towns or wet highlands — our technicians don’t just think about signal strength; they engineer for resilience.
We use marine-grade stainless steel mounts, galvanized poles, and anti-corrosion brackets to withstand harsh conditions. Cables are protected with UV-rated conduits and weather seals, and we avoid installing near surfaces that accelerate rusting, like untreated metal roofs.
In particularly aggressive climates, we also recommend a routine check every 6–12 months, which we’re happy to guide clients through.
These solutions don’t force the system to ‘work harder’; they simply give it the sky access it needs to function properly.
The important takeaway is this: even in challenging terrain, the problem isn’t the landscape itself — it’s whether the dish can ‘see’ enough sky.
Careful assessment and smart mounting are key to enjoying strong and stable Starlink connectivity even in wooded or hilly sites.
This is why from the moment of purchase, we offer guidance on how to get the most out of the kit, including how to install it for long-term performance, not just day-one functionality.
Even our clients using the Starlink Mobility Kit — those who travel frequently or work across counties or borders — receive location-specific guidance and configuration advice.
The good news is, you can test for obstructions before calling a technician — and Starlink makes it surprisingly easy to do this basic check on your own.
Using the official Starlink app (available on Android and iOS), you can run an in-app tool that scans your surrounding sky and identifies any potential obstructions in real-time. By pointing your phone upward and slowly moving it around, the app maps out the field of view needed by the dish and flags areas that might interfere with signal reception.
It gives you a clear visual of what the dish “sees,” and helps you assess whether your chosen location is viable.
While this test is not a substitute for a full professional site assessment — especially in tricky terrain — it’s a valuable first step that can save you time, avoid guesswork, and guide your placement decisions early on.
We walk clients through this process, ensuring every installation meets the demanding conditions required for long-term, reliable service.
This ongoing support is included in your Priority Support plan, giving you direct access to certified engineers and technical advice whenever you need it.
For us, installation isn’t a separate technical task — it’s part of the connectivity strategy.
When you work with Karibu Connect, you’re investing in a partnership that’s engineered for resilience and performance.
Need help with installation or placement? Call +254 205003100 or email sales@karibuconnect.com to speak to our team.
