Network Planning Engineer Job Vacancy in Nairobi, Kenya – Telecommunications

Job Description

Position:Network Planning Engineer

Company:Safaricom PLC

Location:Nairobi, Kenya

Experience:5+ years in telecom network planning and optimization

Education:Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Telecommunications

Department:Network Engineering

Salary:SSP 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Safaricom PLC is Kenya’s leading telecommunications provider, renowned for its innovative mobile services, broadband solutions, and commitment to digital inclusion. With a customer base exceeding 35 million, Safaricom drives economic growth and connects communities across Kenya and the wider East African region. The company’s extensive network infrastructure supports voice, data, and mobile money services, positioning it at the forefront of the digital transformation agenda in Africa. As a forward‑looking organization, Safaricom continuously invests in next‑generation technologies such as 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud services, creating a dynamic environment for professionals seeking to shape the future of telecommunications.

Safaricom’s mission is to “make Kenya a better place to live and work” by delivering reliable, affordable, and cutting‑edge connectivity solutions. The company’s values—integrity, customer focus, teamwork, and innovation—guide every project and initiative. By joining Safaricom, you become part of a vibrant community that values diversity, encourages continuous learning, and rewards excellence. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates who are passionate about network design, optimization, and delivering superior service quality to millions of users.

Job Overview

The Network Planning Engineer will play a pivotal role in designing, analyzing, and optimizing Safaricom’s radio access network (RAN) across Kenya. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including RF engineers, deployment specialists, and product managers, to ensure network performance meets the highest standards of reliability, capacity, and coverage. This role involves detailed planning of new sites, capacity forecasting, and the implementation of advanced network optimization techniques to support emerging services such as 5G and IoT. The successful candidate will contribute to Safaricom’s strategic objectives by delivering data‑driven insights that enhance network efficiency and customer experience.

In this position, you will be responsible for translating business requirements into technical specifications, conducting feasibility studies, and providing recommendations for network upgrades. You will also monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), generate performance reports, and work closely with field teams to validate design assumptions. Your expertise will directly influence Safaricom’s ability to maintain its market leadership and support Kenya’s digital economy. This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, technical analysis, and hands‑on implementation, making it ideal for professionals eager to make a tangible impact on Kenya’s telecommunications landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed radio network plans for 4G and 5G deployments across Nairobi and surrounding regions.
• Perform capacity forecasting, traffic modeling, and coverage analysis using industry‑standard tools.
• Collaborate with RF, deployment, and product teams to translate business goals into technical network designs.
• Optimize existing network elements to improve KPI performance, reduce interference, and enhance user experience.
• Prepare technical documentation, design reports, and cost‑benefit analyses for network expansion projects.
• Support field engineers during site acquisition, installation, and commissioning phases.
• Monitor network performance metrics and generate actionable insights for continuous improvement.
• Stay updated on emerging telecommunications standards, technologies, and regulatory requirements.

Required Skills

• Proficiency with network planning and optimization tools such as Atoll, Planet, or Mentum.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret large data sets and translate them into practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Knowledge of LTE, 5G NR, and RF engineering principles.
• Experience with GIS mapping and spatial analysis.
• Project management capabilities and ability to meet tight deadlines.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline is required. Advanced certifications in RF planning, 5G technologies, or network optimization are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of hands‑on experience in telecom network planning, design, or optimization, preferably within a large‑scale mobile operator environment. Demonstrated experience with 4G/5G network roll‑outs and performance tuning is essential.

Salary

The compensation package ranges from SSP 1,500,000 to SSP 2,500,000 per month, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and performance. The package includes performance‑based incentives and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

• Health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision care.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off and annual leave.
• Employee stock purchase options.
• Transportation allowance and flexible working arrangements.

Training

• Continuous professional development programs and certifications.
• Access to internal learning platforms and industry conferences.
• Mentorship from senior network architects and engineers.

Working Environment

Safaricom offers a collaborative, inclusive, and technology‑driven workplace where innovation is encouraged. Employees benefit from modern office facilities, state‑of‑the‑art labs, and a culture that promotes work‑life balance. The company’s commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility creates a purpose‑filled environment that aligns personal growth with national development goals.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their application through Safaricom’s online career portal. Please include a detailed resume, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and any supporting certifications. For more information about the role and to apply, visit https://kenyajobsearch.com/. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Safaricom PLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination.