The governments of Kenya and South Sudan have announced the implementation of a US$40 million high speed fibre optic cable system linking the two countries, in a bid to improve communications in the region and boost inter-border trade.

The cable system forms part of the the Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project.

Kenya's ICT Authority will implement the Kenyan side of the cable system, at as estimated cost of US$25.5 million, while South Sudan's government will be responsible for the cable section from the border up to Juba, at a cost of US$15 million.

The countries said the connectivity will be used by towns and facilities along the corridor including schools, hospitals, government offices and telecommunications operators.

The project will also see the construction of a road joining the two countries, as well as a common border post - to be funded by the World Bank.

"As you are all aware, roads and information superhighways are two of the most effective means of realising accelerated development of any modern economy. Today we are witnessing the implementation of both at the same time in this region. A big dream comes true," said Robert Mugo, director of shared services at the Kenya ICT Authority.

Kenya representatives said county and national government offices in the corridor are expected to benefit in a number of ways, such as increased employment for county youths during the construction phase; the introduction of high speed internet access; plans for the opening of community based cyber cafes with high speed and reliable internet; reliable access to online government services; and the launch of unified communications system capability in one network.

Rural towns in the northern region will benefit in particular by being connected to the new cable, with last mile fibre to also be laid to country government buildings, and an overall upgrade of internet points to take place in the towns of Lokichogio, Kakuma, Lokichar, Lodwar, Kitale, and Eldoret.

"This development will increase inter-border trade between Kenya and South Sudan as well as link Turkana County to the rest of Kenya. We see the prices of commodities coming down," said Joseph Nanok, the governor of Turkana county.

The countries are, however, wary of criminal efforts to hinder the project.

"We are calling on the residents to protect this infrastructure against vandals and other anti-development agents that are likely to interfere with the cables by immediately reporting such incidents to the authorities," Mugo said.

Construction is set to begin in 2016, and be completed by 2019.