NAIROBI, Kenya- In a major move to bolster internet connectivity across East Africa, Bayobab Kenya, a subsidiary of MTN Group, has successfully completed a crucial fibre network linking the coastal city of Mombasa to the Kenya-Uganda border at Malaba and Busia.
This infrastructure project is poised to enhance internet service delivery, offering greater diversity and redundancy in a region that is increasingly reliant on digital connectivity.
Bayobab Kenya’s newly completed fibre network follows the path of Kenya’s historic metre-gauge railway line, extending all the way to the Uganda border.
From there, the network interconnects with Uganda’s infrastructure, providing onward connectivity to landlocked countries such as Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
By linking these countries to subsea cables at the Port of Mombasa, Bayobab is not only facilitating better internet access but also creating a digital bridge that supports economic growth and trade across the region.
This development marks a significant milestone in the region’s digital landscape. Bayobab Kenya’s fibre network is designed to ensure low-latency connectivity and high reliability, two critical factors for businesses and communities that depend on seamless internet access.
As Sylvia Anampiu, Managing Director of Bayobab Kenya, noted, “This project is about connecting communities and businesses, creating opportunities, and delivering a modern connected experience to more people across the continent.”
The network is part of a broader plan by Bayobab Group to lay down 135,000 kilometers of proprietary fibre across Africa.
By investing in such extensive infrastructure, Bayobab is not only improving connectivity within Africa but also ensuring that the region remains competitive in the global digital marketplace.
MTN Group’s decision to rebrand its digital infrastructure arm to Bayobab in 2023, separating it into Bayobab Fibre and Bayobab Communication Platforms, reflects the company’s strategic focus on expanding its infrastructure capabilities.
Bayobab Kenya’s fibre network completion is a vital step towards a more connected, digitally empowered Africa. By linking key economic hubs and providing reliable internet access across borders, Bayobab is setting the stage for accelerated digital transformation in the region.
