NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya is on its path to a digital revolution, set to save Sh170 billion thanks to a partnership between Kenya Power and the Ministry of Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy.
By utilizing Kenya Power’s transmission lines for the rollout of 100,000 kilometers of fibre optic cables, the government is not only slashing costs but also accelerating the project timeline.
A Smart and Cost-Effective Solution
ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo unveiled this innovative approach, emphasizing its dual benefits of cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Originally, the plan involved digging trenches for the cables, a process costing taxpayers Sh2.3 million per kilometer.
In stark contrast, using existing power transmission lines reduces this cost to just Sh600 thousand per kilometer.
This clever strategy is set to complete the project by 2026, a full year ahead of schedule.
“The use of Kenya Power transmission lines to deliver the 100,000 kilometers of fibre optic cable is not only cheap but will also see us complete the job a year earlier than anticipated,” Owalo stated.
Connecting Every Household and Business
This ambitious project aims to deliver high-speed internet to every household and business connected to the Kenya Power grid.
Speaking at Nyamira Girls High School in Siaya County during the school’s ICT day, Owalo highlighted the government’s commitment to leveraging ICT for economic growth.
“The government has plans to revitalize and rejuvenate the performance of all sectors of the economy by leveraging on ICT,” Owalo said.
“We are committed to ensuring the delivery of 100,000 kilometers of fibre optic cable to avail high-speed internet to every part of the country by 2026.”
Digital Hubs and E-Learning: The Future of Education and Employment
A key component of this digital transformation is the creation of 1,450 digital hubs across Kenya.
These hubs are designed to curb rural-urban migration by providing local employment opportunities through digital platforms.
“With digital hubs connected to high-speed internet established in all wards across the country, the youth will not have to migrate because of the existing opportunities on the digital platforms,” Owalo explained.
He added that these hubs would enable youth to work for companies globally without leaving their hometowns.
Once trained at public digital hubs, it is expected that young people will establish their own private digital hubs, further expanding opportunities in even the most remote parts of the country.
The education sector is also set to benefit significantly from this digital push. Over 2,000 students are currently enrolled in higher education via an e-learning platform based at Konza.
Last year in October, President William Ruto commissioned an Open University to expand access to affordable, inclusive education.
This initiative eliminates the need for traditional, four-walled classrooms, making higher education more accessible and inclusive.
With high-speed internet, digital hubs, and e-learning platforms, Kenya is gearing up for a digital transformation that promises to enhance economic growth and provide unprecedented opportunities.
