Kenya's Inoorero University has launched a wireless local area network of 25 campus-wide Wifi access points for over 2000 students and 100 faculty members, in a project financed by an infrastructure grant from technology company Google.
“The grant has enabled Inoorero University to complete the wireless infrastructure project, which has been a major undertaking for the University. We now have 25 Wifi access points to cover the two buildings. This project will enhance our service delivery to all our students and faculty,” said Inoorero University vice-chancellor Professor Henry Thairu.
The project, which started in November 2011, was completed in January 2012 before a two month testing period kicked off.
The wireless LAN is now fully functional.
The project is part of the Google Apps Supporting Programs (GASP), an initiative designed to catalyse Internet usage and Google Apps adoption in sub-Saharan Africa universities.
Google’s support also includes technical consulting and training.
“In countries like Kenya, where the cost of internet bandwidth is affordable to Universities, Google will provide assistance to match the university’s investment one-for-one, up to a predetermined limit for qualifying campus infrastructure projects that improve connectivity for your staff and students,” said Google Kenya’s country manager, Joe Mucheru.
According to Mucheru, Google is committed to getting users in Sub-Saharan Africa online by developing an accessible, relevant, vibrant and self-sufficient internet environment.
The tech giant expects that reducing access barriers at the institutions of higher learning by providing grants will go a long way towards creating a great Internet experience for both students and faculty.
Kenya's Strathmore University is also a beneficiary of the initiative that seeks to improve Internet access on university campuses.
Other than Kenya, the GASP program is also available to Universities in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda.
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