The project, according to the USTDA, advances President Joe Biden’s administration priorities, including the digital transformation with Africa initiative to expand digital access on the continent.

In an effort to close the Internet affordability gap in Kenya, the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the Kenyan telecoms company Wilken Group yesterday signed a grant agreement for a feasibility study.

The study will examine the viability of building new fibre optic and 5G infrastructure between Mombasa and Malaba.

The study, which is funded by USTDA, will evaluate the installation of a wholesale open access fibre optic network and a number of 5G-capable towers along a section of the railway, spanning about 730 miles (1,170 km), between Mombasa and Malaba.

It is anticipated that demand for fibre connectivity in this area will surpass the capacity of the current infrastructure.

According to USTDA, this assistance advances the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities, including the Digital Transformation with Africa initiative to expand digital access on the continent, Prosper Africa, and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.

USTDA’s programming also follows through on commitments made at the December 2022 US-Africa Leaders’ Summit.

US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo witnessed USTDA’s grant signing ceremony at the 2024 American Chamber of Commerce Business Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.

“Our partnership with the Wilken Group will help address the growing demand for secure, affordable, high-quality Internet connectivity that can catalyse economic growth,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director.

“USTDA support for this project opens another gateway for US companies to actively participate in East Africa’s burgeoning digital infrastructure markets.”

Graham Shaw, CEO, Wilken Group, said: “USTDA’s grant funding will significantly enhance the importance of the project by validating capacity demand and measuring project impact nationally. The grant will support the Government of Kenya’s mandate to focus on enhancing the digital space.”

US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman said, “Reliable connectivity is critical to economic prosperity in Africa. This USTDA grant demonstrates the United States’ commitment to partnering with Kenya to create digital infrastructure that will empower Kenyans.”