ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo.
The government has laid out a Sh10 billion project to roll out at least 100,000 kilometers of fibre optic across the country to improve network connectivity, amid network challenges in high security-risk areas.
Information, Communication and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said the initiative is being done in phases and is aimed at enhancing network connectivity and ensuring secure, reliable communications in high-risk areas.
Mr Kabogo pointed out that the project will go deep into the Universal Service Fund (USF) as well as tap into the collaboration with licensed operators.
He said the project is being rolled out by the Information Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) and Kenya Power.
The CS said the government opted to use Kenya Power in order to leverage on its last mile project as it is easier and faster.
“We are doing it in phases. Stage by stage, which is yearly. We have already done three phases. A commitment of Sh10 billion has been put to ICTA and Kenya Power,” said Mr Kabogo.
He said Kenya currently enjoys approximately 62 percent of coverage on fiber, with the government keen on pushing the coverage to 90 percent in the coming financial year.
Workers lay the fibre-optic cable in Nyeri town. Foreigners will be barred from taking up technical installation and maintenance jobs in the communications sector.
The development comes after senators raised concerns over lack of network connectivity in most parts of the country, especially in security-risk northern Kenya.
Mobile network coverage
Samburu Senator Steve Lelegwe asked the CS to clarify any specific plans regarding the expansion and strengthening of mobile network coverage in areas affected by insecurity, particularly Northern Kenya and Kerio Valley counties, where cattle rustling and related insecurity threats remain prevalent.
Wajir Senator Mohamed Abass decried deaths being witnessed in the remote parts of the country, some due to poor network coverage hindering rescue efforts.
He pointed out that there is no network in half of the country, including counties such as Wajir, Mandera and Turkana.
“There is a lot of insecurity and people are being killed every day. Chiefs are being kidnapped and police officers are being killed, just because they cannot be rescued due to lack of network,” said Mr Abass.
“What is the Ministry doing to improve the network coverage so that people from Northern Kenya can also enjoy the same services,” he added.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah pressed the minister to explain whether there are attempts by the government to use satellite technology instead of relying on terrestrial technologies to ensure universal connectivity for Kenyans, irrespective of where they are.
“During elections, sometimes we are told that the network does not cover some areas. What efforts is the Government of Kenya doing to engage in satellite technologies that can enable us to have universal coverage?” posed Mr Omtatah.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.
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Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi added that there are many other pockets of areas, some high-potential areas, which are not remote rural areas - areas in Nairobi, which have no network connectivity.
Misappropriated funds?
He asked the minister to explain where the billions of shillings under the USF are going since many areas of the country still lack network connectivity.
“The USF is not being used prudently and it is in billions. Every time you make a call, even for one minute, some money goes to the Fund. For any call that you make or receive, some cents go to the Fund. Where does that money go?” posed Mr Murungi.
“For example, there is no connectivity in my house in Meru, where I live. It is very shameful in this era that we have such pockets in this country without connectivity,” he added.
For areas without network coverage, CS Kabogo pointed out that the government is working with satellite providers like Starlink and Air Traffic Control (ATC) masts, to use their facilities to give connectivity, especially on the mobile platform.
“In those areas where there are security issues, we rely on our collaboration with the other providers like ATC, Safaricom and Starlink. Those that have capacity to do satellite provision of services,” said the CS.
“Like we just licensed Starlink, which is widely used even in urban areas. We hope to continue to collaborate with them for places where we have not been able to reach our fibre optic,” he added.
The CS said it is a responsibility of the Communications Authority of Kenya to ensure connectivity in the whole country.
“The Authority remains committed to supporting national security, public safety and digital inclusion through targeted regulatory interventions and strategic partnerships.”
