Kenya to acquire new orbital slots for telecommunication satellites

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• Orbital slots to improve the performance of Kenya’s telecom sector.
• International Telecommunication Union decided to have 31 African countries pick new orbital positions to replace their current slots

To improve the performance of its telecom sector, Kenya is planning to acquire new parking spots (orbital slots) for its telecommunication satellites. The move is the outcome of the decision last year by the International Telecommunication Union to have 31 African countries pick new orbital positions to replace their current slots. A five-day workshop is being held in Nairobi to train delegates on how and where to lock down the orbital slots. The delegates will also be guided on compliance and frequency channels. Satellites act as an alternative communication channel when terrestrial services are not available or in case of cuts in the undersea cables. Technically, Satellites act as an alternative communication channel when terrestrial services are not available or in case of cuts in the undersea cables.

Acquiring new orbital slots has become crucial for improving communication as large parts of the country are still not on the grid. Moreover, owning the slots is expected to be more cost-effective than leasing the space, as observed by Mercy Wanjau, acting director-general, the Communications . It is also expected to improve services particularly in agriculture, medical, education and many other sectors. It may be noted that Kenya has been relying on satellite to track the locust invasion that has been spreading across the country.