Government targets 90% coverage in fibre expansion drive

The government has unveiled a Sh10 billion fibre optic expansion plan aimed at addressing network shortages across the country, with a particular focus on areas facing serious security threats.

Information, Communication and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said the project is being carried out in phases, involving both the Information Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) and Kenya Power.

He said the move to partner with Kenya Power is meant to benefit from its last-mile electricity project, allowing the fibre network to reach even the most remote areas.

"We are doing it in phases. Stage by stage, which is yearly. We have already done three phases. A commitment of Sh10 billion has been made to ICTA and Kenya Power," Kabogo said.

According to the CS, Kenya currently has about 62% fibre optic coverage.

The government plans to push this to 90% in the next financial year.

The expansion aims to tackle the long-standing issue of poor network coverage, especially in parts of northern Kenya where insecurity has been worsened by weak communication links.

Senators raised concerns over continued network gaps during a recent meeting with the CS.

Samburu Senator Steve Lelegwe asked Kabogo to provide detailed plans for improving mobile coverage in insecurity-hit regions like northern Kenya and the Kerio Valley, which continue to struggle with cattle rustling and attacks.

Wajir Senator Mohamed Abass lamented the loss of lives in remote areas due to the lack of communication networks, stating that the absence of mobile coverage hinders rescue efforts.

"There is a lot of insecurity, and people are being killed every day. Chiefs are being kidnapped and police officers are being killed, just because they cannot be rescued due to lack of network," Abass said.

He challenged the ICT Ministry to ensure that northern Kenya residents enjoy the same network services as those in more connected parts of the country.

In response to questions about alternative solutions, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah asked if the government was considering satellite technologies instead of depending fully on terrestrial networks.

"During elections, sometimes we are told that some areas are not covered by the network. What efforts are the government of Kenya making to use satellite technologies that can enable us to have universal coverage?" asked Omtatah.

Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi said the problem of poor network coverage is not limited to remote regions but affects parts of urban areas as well.

He questioned the management of the Universal Service Fund (USF), set up to improve communication infrastructure.

"The USF is not being used prudently, and it is in billions of shillings. Every time you make a call, even for one minute, some money goes to the fund. For any call that you make or receive, there are some cents that go to the fund. Where does that money go?" he said.

"For example, there is no connectivity in my house in Meru. It is very shameful in this era that we have such pockets in this country without connectivity," Murungi added.

CS Kabogo said the government is partnering with companies like Starlink and Air Traffic Control (ATC) to support satellite-based solutions in places where fibre optic cables cannot easily reach.

"In those areas where there are security issues, we rely on our collaboration with other providers like ATC, Safaricom and Starlink; those that have capacity to provide satellite services," he said.

"Like we just licensed Starlink, which is widely used even in urban areas. We hope to continue to collaborate with them for places where we have not been able to reach with fibre optic," Kabogo added.

Kabogo assured that the Communications Authority of Kenya remains fully engaged in efforts to close the connectivity gap, supporting national security and digital inclusion through strategic partnerships.