Kenya Invests in Fiber Optic Networks to Expand Broadband Infrastructure

Kenya is committed to expanding its broadband infrastructure by investing in submarine and terrestrial fiber optic cables, as well as medium and last mile connections, to achieve its digital agenda.
The Cabinet Secretary in charge of Information and Communication Technology, Eliud Owalo, stated that Kenya relies on the information and communication technology industry to improve digital skills through online work and connect to the public through public Wi Fi. Owalo said, “The Kenyan government is counting on information and communication technology to address various challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and public service restrictions. The digital transformation agenda will help create a favorable legal and policy environment for entrepreneurship to promote innovation and cybersecurity.”

At the second preparatory meeting for the International Telecommunication Union’s 2024 World Telecommunication Standardization Conference (WTSA-24) held in Nairobi, Owalo confirmed that the Kenyan government has deployed 8419 kilometers of fiber optic networks in the past year, with a target of 100000 kilometers for the next five years. He said, “The government has started laying 1000 kilometers of fiber optic networks and 25000 WiFi hotspots nationwide, and has established 1450 digital centers in villages.” Owalo added that the government is currently implementing a large-scale digital skills and digital employment program to promote skills and capacity enhancement.
The Kenyan government expects that with continuous private sector investment, the information and communication technology industry will continue to achieve positive growth, and digital hubs will become innovation centers for cultivating digital talents in all regions of the country. Owalo said, “In order to maintain the growth of the information and communication technology industry and provide employment and wealth creation opportunities for young people, the government has started digitizing services and constructing fiber optic networks.”.
The Kenyan government also praised the African Telecommunication Union (ATU). ATU is preparing to participate in the WTSA24 scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India in October. John Omo, Secretary General of the African Telecommunication Union, stated that the World Telecommunication Standardization Conference, held every four years, brings together different countries to reach consensus on various standards to promote communication development. ATU collaborates with the African ICT industry to develop information and communication technology infrastructure in the African region.
During the WTSA24 period, the African Telecommunication Union is expected to propose relevant recommendations, including universal emergency telecommunication numbers for Africa. John Omo pointed out that the main challenge affecting most African countries is importing equipment products that do not meet the required standards and communication needs.
David Mugonyi, Director of the Communications Authority of Kenya, added that global standards may accelerate or slow down progress. Mugonyi said, “Standards are at the core of our communication. These preparatory meetings form the basis for our position and participation in global information and communication policy discussions, and have influenced the outcomes of WTSA-24 and WTDC-25 for Africa. We know what we need, understand our priorities, including cross-border interaction and device interoperability.”