The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced a significant initiative aimed at enhancing internet access across the country. The CA is financing the installation of 2,500 kilometers of fiber optic cables, spanning 19 counties, at a cost of Ksh5 billion. This ambitious project is set to improve connectivity in rural areas, where internet access has been historically limited.
Currently, the project is 50% complete, with 1,300 kilometers of fiber already laid. This development is a key part of Phase II, which is being executed in collaboration with the ICT Authority (ICTA) and Kenya Power. The next phase of the project will facilitate last-mile connectivity to 3,800 public offices and institutions nationwide.
David Mugonyi, the Director General of CA, highlighted the project’s importance during the ITW Africa 2024 conference in Nairobi. He emphasized the critical role of broadband access in socio-economic development, noting that increased internet usage is linked to business growth and innovation, particularly in knowledge-intensive sectors. Mugonyi stated that robust, affordable, and high-speed internet is essential for economic development and full participation in the digital economy.
Mugonyi stressed that connectivity drives global economic growth. Without strong telecommunications markets, Africa’s ability to tap into the digital economy’s potential is severely constrained. He also pointed out that while expanding internet access is crucial, it also exposes users to cyber threats. To address this, Kenya has enacted the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse (Critical Information Infrastructure and Cybercrime Management) Regulations, which provide a comprehensive framework for securing critical information infrastructure. Additionally, the establishment of the Cyber Security Operations Centre aims to bolster the country’s cyber defenses.
The CA is undertaking a major overhaul of its regulatory frameworks to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies. This includes the creation of a Regulatory Sandbox to support emerging technologies without hindering innovation. Mugonyi reiterated CA’s commitment to fostering competition and encouraging new market entrants, which in turn will enhance service quality and scale.
At the ITW conference, Mugonyi noted the substantial opportunities that expanding Africa’s digital coverage presents. Despite these opportunities, the digital divide remains a significant challenge. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) reported that while 67% of the global population was online in 2023, only 27% of people in low-income countries, many of which are in Africa, had internet access. Africa’s average internet penetration rate was 37% in the same year, highlighting a stark gap compared to high-income countries.
Mugonyi emphasized that bridging this digital divide is critical for Africa’s development. Digital technologies offer a pathway to progress and can drive significant economic growth if leveraged effectively. However, addressing the gap requires deliberate actions, including improving access to technology and making it affordable.
Gender disparities also contribute to the digital divide. In 2023, 65% of women globally had internet access compared to 75% of men. In Africa, only 32% of women had internet access compared to 42% of men. Mugonyi stressed the need to address these disparities, noting that women’s economic contributions often exceed those of men. Ensuring women’s access to technology is both a matter of equity and economic sense, as they have a proven record of generating high returns.
Efforts to close the digital divide include government investments in ICT infrastructure through Universal Service Fund mechanisms. Over the past five years, Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) have been deployed to provide mobile network connectivity to over 750,000 people across 24 counties. Future phases of the connectivity project aim to reach an additional 400 sub-locations, further expanding internet access and fostering economic development throughout Kenya.
In conclusion, the Communications Authority of Kenya’s initiative to lay 2,500 kilometers of fiber optic cables represents a significant step toward improving internet access across the country. This project not only aims to bridge the digital divide but also to stimulate economic growth and development by enhancing connectivity in underserved areas.
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