Kenya is considering collaborating with Amazon on its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite program, Amazon Leo (previously known as Project Kuiper).
The broadband network intends to provide fast, dependable, and cost-effective connectivity to unserved and underserved populations.
According to John Kipchumba Tanui, principal secretary of the state department for ICT and the digital economy, the government recently welcomed a delegation from the firm, led by Farouk Shamas Jiwa, senior manager for international public policy, to discuss partnership on universal connectivity.
This comes as African nations increasingly turn to satellite internet as a way to bridge the digital divide. The technique enables high-speed, dependable communication to remote places, eliminating the need for traditional terrestrial cable or fibre infrastructure.
With Kenya's digital transformation agenda gaining traction, the government believes partnerships leveraging technology like satellite broadband would be critical in closing the connectivity gap.
If Amazon Leo becomes operational in Kenya, it will compete directly with SpaceX-owned Starlink, which has been active in the market since July 2023.
Amazon is rapidly expanding its satellite services across the continent, having just received regulatory approval in Nigeria and preparing for a deployment in South Africa. Meanwhile, Starlink operates in more than 25 African countries.
“As Kenya accelerates its Digital Transformation Agenda, partnerships that leverage innovative technologies such as satellite broadband will be critical in bridging the digital divide, supporting digital government services, enabling remote learning, strengthening healthcare delivery, and unlocking opportunities for youth and enterprises across the country,” commented Tanui.
He added: “We look forward to continued engagement aimed at ensuring no community is left behind in the digital revolution.”
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