ICT Authority Announces an Ambitious Fiber Rollout with Private Sector Collaboration
Kenya’s ICT Authority has announced the government's aims to deploy 100,000 km fiber backbone to enhance broadband access and innovation.
The ICT Authority convened a stakeholder engagement meeting today as part of the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP), which aims to accelerate the country’s digital economy. The success of this initiative relies heavily on collaboration with various stakeholders, particularly the private sector within the ICT industry.
State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, PS Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, MBS emphasized that the private sector will be vital to the success of KDEAP by investing in digital infrastructure to improve broadband access, foster innovation, create jobs and enhance digital skills. The government aims to deploy 52,000 km of fiber, while the private sector is expected to contribute an additional 48,000 km.
World Bank Lead ICT Policy Specialist Dr. Tim Kelly stressed and encouraged the ICT industries in the private sector to participate in KDEAP.
The project will increase access to broadband through an expansion of the fiber optic backbone and last mile connectivity to government and learning institutions, as well as along Kenya’s borders, benefiting the regional digital market.
– Dr. Tim Kelly, Lead ICT Policy Specialist, World Bank
Infrastructure is dear to us. We are able to do more than what is planned and take the lead in ensuring that all Kenyans have internet connectivity and get government services online.
– Dr Fiona Asonga, CEO, Technology Service Providers Association Of Kenya (TESPOK)
ICT Authority CEO, Stanley Kamanguya, PMP, OGW appreciated and highlighted the essential collaborative role of the private sector and other agencies in the acceleration projects and in achieving ICT Authority’s objective in the Digital Master Plan.
We aim to strengthen collaboration that extends beyond just infrastructure and systems, that builds solutions and co-runs them with the government. This will ensure reliable internet connectivity at homes, institutions and stimulate business growth for efficient service delivery.
– Stanley Kamanguya, CEO, ICT Authority
He also encouraged the private sector to participate actively in the Connected Africa Summit to showcase their products and solutions, which can help unlock creativity and enhance innovation.
Let us work together in an inclusive, sustainable, and innovative manner.
– Stanley Kamanguya, CEO, ICT Authority
