USTDA Grant Boosts Kenyan Internet Infrastructure Development for Enhanced Connectivity

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed a grant agreement with Kenyan telecommunications company Wilken Group Ltd (Wilken Group) for a feasibility study to address Kenya’s internet affordability gap through the development of new fiber optic and 5G infrastructure between Mombasa and Malaba. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo witnessed USTDA’s grant signing ceremony at the 2024 American Chamber of Commerce Business Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.

Our partnership with the Wilken Group will help address the growing demand for secure, affordable, high-quality internet connectivity that can catalyze economic growth. USTDA support for this project opens another gateway for U.S. companies to actively participate in East Africa’s burgeoning digital infrastructure markets.

Enoh T. Ebong, Director, USTDA

The USTDA-funded study will assess the construction of a wholesale open access fiber optic network and a series of 5G-capable towers across approximately 730 miles (1,170 km) of railway between the cities of Mombasa and Malaba, where future demand for fiber connectivity is projected to outstrip the capacity of existing infrastructure.

USTDA’s grant funding will significantly enhance the importance of the project by validating capacity demand and measuring project impact nationally. The grant will support the Government of Kenya’s mandate to focus on enhancing the digital space.

Graham Shaw, Chief Executive Officer, Wilken Group

Reliable connectivity is critical to economic prosperity in Africa. This USTDA grant demonstrates the United States’ commitment to partnering with Kenya to create digital infrastructure that will empower Kenyans.

Meg Whitman, U.S. Ambassador to Kenya