Internet services firm AccessKenya plans to invest over Ksh35 million in its Kenyan network, in a bid to connect more counties in the country to its broadband networks.

In a statement, the company says it plans to target Kenya’s 47 county governments for connection to its fibre and wireless networks.

The firm then intends to extend its technology offerings to the counties “within the remainder of 2013 and in 2014.”

A feasibility assessment that points to growing demand for broadband services across the counties has in part motivated AccessKenya to conduct its network expansion.

AccessKenya officials say they have also rolled out networks in Kakamega, Kericho, Machakos and Meru.

“AccessKenya Group is committed to delivering localised ICT solutions to every county and elevating the ICT standards of Kenya,” says the firm’s group managing director Jonathan Somen.

In a statement, the firm says it has so far connected 15 towns outside of Nairobi including Kisumu, Eldoret, Kakamega, Kericho, Nanyuki, Nyeri, Thika, Nakuru, Naivasha, Kiambu, Athi River, Ngong, Kilifi, Elburgon, , and Mazeras.

And ten counties are planned for connection before the end of the year, says the statement.

The firm says it is also digging fibre network extensions on the North Coast of Mombasa and Athi River to add up to over 400 km of fibre network in Nairobi and Mombasa.

As AccessKenya plans its network roll-out, it is also undergoing a takeover bid from South Africa headquartered Dimension Data.

Earlier this year, Dimension Data made a Ksh3 billion (R326.4 million) offer to acquire AccessKenya. Dimension Data said that to buy the firm, it is offering Ksh14.00 (R1.50) per share, a premium of 42%.

And earlier this month, the AccessKenya group board of directors announced that it has recommended that its shareholders accept the Ksh3 billion Dimension Data bid.

Didata's communications manager Barbara Muzata has told ITWeb Africa earlier this year that Didata's offer for AccessKenya still has to complete shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Muzata added that Didata is looking at a "timeframe of September or October 2013" for the possible final outcome of the process.