Written By Vanessa Kariuki ||
In order to provide last-mile fibre optic cable access to 19 underserved and unserved Counties under the Universal Service Fund (USF), the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) and ICT Authority signed an agreement on Monday.
The Universal Service Fund (USF) will pay KSh. 5 billion to the CA to facilitate the installation of fibre in the designated Counties.
The Government Digital Transformation Agenda (GoDTA)’s goal of building 100,000km of fibre is in line with this action, as is the USF goal of assisting the implementation of infrastructure and communications services in unserved and underserved areas.
Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, Kitui, Laikipia, Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Kitui,Kajiado, Narok and Makueni are the counties that this project is focused on.
‘‘What we are doing today is phenomenal and will greatly transform the country in the coming years,’’ said CA Director General Ezra CHILOBA at the signing ceremony.
ICT Authority Chief Executive Officer Kamanguya Stanley hailed the partnership, which he said will go a long way in attaining the digital transformation agenda. ‘‘It is an interesting time to begin the 100,000km journey,’’ he observed.
The Project shall be implemented within a maximum period of three (3) years. The agreement gives effect to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two institutions in December 2022.
