Kenya’s Digital Agenda Targets 2,500km Fiber Rollout Across 19 Counties

Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy  appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Information, Communication, and Technology to report on the status of communication infrastructure in the country’s high-risk and underserved areas.

The session, chaired by Senator Allan Chesang, was prompted by a question from Senator James Lomenen about infrastructure deployment in high-risk zones, particularly in Turkana County. The ministry’s delegation was led by Cabinet Secretary Hon. William Kabogo, and included Principal Secretaries Stephen Isaboke and John Tanui, as well as the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), David Mugonyi.

The ministry presented a comprehensive report detailing progress and ongoing efforts to expand connectivity. It stated that 2G coverage stands at 96.6% of the population, with 3G and 4G at 96.3%. To address geographical gaps, the Universal Service Fund (USF), managed by the CA, has deployed voice infrastructure in 25 wards across Turkana and West Pokot, and in 16 wards in Samburu and Wajir.

As part of the Government Digital Transformation Agenda (GoDTA), the ministry is overseeing a Ksh 5.0 billion project to install 2,500 kilometers of fiber optic cable across 19 marginalized counties, which were identified in an Access Gap Study. The project has a completion rate of 87.72%, with 2,193 kilometers already approved. This initiative aims to improve broadband access for government agencies and the public. The ministry concluded by reaffirming its commitment to closing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to communication services throughout Kenya.