NAIROBI, Kenya- The digital divide in Kenya is about to narrow, thanks to a major push by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
To bridge the internet gap in rural areas, CA is financing the laying of 2,500 kilometers of fiber optic cable across 19 counties at a cost of Ksh 5 billion.
Currently, the project is halfway complete, with 1,300 kilometers of fiber already laid.
Speaking at the ITW Africa 2024 conference in Nairobi, CA Director General David Mugonyi shed light on the significance of this expansive project.
In partnership with the ICT Authority (ICTA) and Kenya Power, Phase II aims to deliver last-mile connectivity to 3,800 public offices and institutions nationwide.
According to Mugonyi, access to reliable, high-speed internet is not just about convenience; it’s a cornerstone of modern economies and a driver of socio-economic development.
Studies have shown a direct correlation between broadband access and business growth, especially in knowledge-driven industries.
“Connectivity is the biggest driver of the global economy,” Mugonyi emphasized. “Without robust, secure, and competitive telecommunications markets, Africa’s participation and capacity to exploit the opportunities of a rapidly expanding digital economy are significantly constrained.”
As digital access expands, the risk of cyber threats grows in tandem. Mugonyi pointed out that Kenya has already taken steps to safeguard its critical information infrastructure.
Early this year, the government introduced the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse (Critical Information Infrastructure and Cybercrime Management) Regulations to create a regulatory framework that shields against cyber-attacks.
Alongside these regulations, the country has also established the Cyber Security Operations Centre to enhance cybersecurity within the ICT and telecommunications sectors.
With a focus on digital inclusion, the CA is also working on addressing disparities in internet access.
According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), 67pc of the world’s population was online in 2023, but in low-income countries, many of which are in Africa, only 27pc had internet access.
To tackle this issue, the CA has launched several initiatives to bring internet access to underserved areas.
As Kenya embraces a more connected future, initiatives like the CA’s fiber-optic project underscore the country’s commitment to a digital economy that leaves no one behind.
In this race for digital inclusion, deliberate steps like these promise to bring opportunities closer to all Kenyans, empowering communities and fostering economic growth.
