Kenya and the World Bank are accelerating the development of fibre optic cable connectivity and access across the country and to neighbouring countries.
The program wants to connect the country to other East African states such as Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan through fibre optics for a distance of around 1,500 kilometres.
Kenya is the epicentre of the connectivity program.
The government and the World Bank have finished the first phase of laying 730 km of fibre between the country and South Sudan. It runs from Eldoret to Nadapal-Nakodok on the border with South Sudan.
This is part of the Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project (EARTTDFP).
In Kenya, EARTTDFP covers Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, and Turkana counties, with 193 subscriber sites installed along the way.
Schools, government organisations, hospitals, and underserved marketplaces would benefit greatly from public WiFi.
The Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, which is now being implemented, involves 740-kilometer fibre-optic connection from Kenya to Ethiopia and Somalia.
From Isiolo to the neighbouring countries, it will also connect the Kenyan counties of Garissa, Mandera, Meru and Wajir along the way.
On Thursday, John Tanui, principal secretary of the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, and Binyam Reja, the newly appointed World Bank transport global practice manager for Eastern Africa, to assess progress and provide updates.
Tanui applauded the World Bank's collaboration with Kenya on critical projects in ICT, infrastructure, and energy development. He also conveyed his appreciation to local partners for the regional connectivity initiative.
“We committed to smart mobility, data-driven logistics, climate-resilient infrastructure and expanded connectivity across our borders,” Tanui said.
Share