Eaton Towers has signed a 15 year management and leasing deal with telecoms services provider, Telkom Kenya, to upgrade the telcos’ towers and build out new network coverage.

According to the African tower ownership and management company the deal extends its partnership with the Orange Group following the 2012 deal with Orange Uganda.

Telkom Kenya, operates Orange's mobile and fixed-line telecommunications services in Kenya.

A company statement revealed that Telkom Kenya will retain ownership of its existing portfolio of over 1,000 towers while Eaton Towers will invest in passive infrastructure upgrades and build new towers to provide the telco with improved coverage.

Mickael Ghossein, chief executive officer of Telkom Kenya said the agreement with Eaton Towers was a step in the right direction.

"Telkom Kenya will retain ownership of all the existing towers and the partnership will place us in a strong position to expand our network and develop innovative new services, in particular in rural areas, helping us achieve our ambition to provide the Kenyan population with excellent nation-wide coverage and relevant offers," he said.

Ghossein added, “Through this agreement, we will be able to reduce our operational costs and, at the same time, minimise the environmental impact of our network by reducing the use of diesel fuel."