Kenya and World Bank Deepen Partnership to Expand National Fiber Connectivity and Drive Regional Integration

(3 Minutes Read)

The Government of Kenya, in collaboration with the World Bank, is intensifying efforts to expand fiber optic infrastructure nationwide and at strategic border points. This initiative builds on the momentum from the successful first phase of the Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project (EARTTDFP), which connected Eldoret to Nadapal-Nakodok near the South Sudan border.

Speaking during an introductory meeting with Mr. Binyam Reja, the newly appointed World Bank Practice Manager for Transport in Eastern Africa, Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, commended the World Bank for its ongoing partnership in advancing transformative projects across the ICT, infrastructure, and energy sectors. The meeting took place at the Ministry’s headquarters.

Accompanied by ICT Authority CEO Stanley Kamanguya, Eng. Tanui highlighted the impact of the 730-kilometer fiber rollout under EARTTDFP, which is fostering socio-economic development in northwestern counties such as Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, and Turkana. The project has led to the installation of 193 subscriber sites, delivering connectivity to schools, government offices, healthcare centers, and offering public WiFi in key trading hubs.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), which aims to strengthen digital infrastructure and regional integration with Ethiopia and Somalia. This project involves laying 740 kilometres of fiber along the Isiolo-Mandera Corridor, supplemented by 200 kilometres in metro areas and last-mile connections to public institutions.

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Eng. Tanui reaffirmed the government’s commitment, through the State Department, ICT Authority, Konza Technopolis Development Authority, and other partners, to working closely with the World Bank and private sector stakeholders to realise Kenya’s digital infrastructure goals.