The government of Kenya has inked a deal to increase last-mile fiber optic cable connectivity across 19 underserved and unserved counties, according to reporting by Techpoint Africa.
The ICT Authority (ICTA) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) have signed a contract to increase last-mile fiber optic cable connectivity across 19 of the country’s underserved and unserved counties.
The CA will support the deployment of fiber in the identified counties with USD 37 million (5 billion KSh) through the Universal Service Fund (USF).
This is consistent with the USF’s goal of supporting the roll out of communications and infrastructure services in unserved and underserved areas.
100,000 kilometers of fiber
As part of initiatives to improve access to broadband across Kenya, the project supports the Government Digital Transformation Agenda’s (GoDTA) goal of deploying 100,000 kilometers of fiber. The fiber-related elements of the Agenda can be downloaded from here.
The new project will focus on the following counties: Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, Kitui, Laikipia, Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Kitui, Makueni, and Narok.
Increasing access to high speed internet will allow for a growing of the economy and the creation of a wide range of digital- and tech-related opportunities.
Startup ownership
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, recently removed the Equity Participation Clause in the National Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) Policy, which previously required a minimum of 30% Kenyan ownership for ICT firms to be licensed. Read our coverage, here.