On Saturday, July 27, President William Ruto disclosed the specifics of an agreement pertaining to internet connectivity between Kenya Power and the government.
Speaking at Kwale County’s Kinango Technical and Vocational College, the Head of State said that Kenya Power has been hired by the government to provide high-speed fiber internet to all technical training facilities in the nation.
Additionally, he said, the internet will be provided to other wards all throughout the nation.
The wards will be the focus of the government’s and Members of Parliament’s joint implementation of the digital hubs strategy.
Ruto went on to say that the project was important because the digital hubs will serve as employment centers for young people who are interested in working for different companies overseas.
Ksh10 billion was set aside for that initiative, as he mentioned in his address, and a contract was signed two months ago.
“To enable our young to engage in the digital industry, we have already awarded Kenya Power a contract to provide internet to all of our technical training institutes in Kenya and all of our wards.
“The deal was just granted two months ago. Nationwide, we have allocated Ksh10 billion to that initiative,” said Ruto.
Eliud Owalo, the previous Cabinet Secretary for ICT, made hints in March of this year about the intention to use Kenya Power infrastructure for internet delivery.
According to the former CS, the new design would restrict the digging of fiber trenches, as was previously seen.
“We have modified the fiber rollout model. Rather of excavating trenches to install fiber, we will take advantage of the Kenya Power lines that are currently in place. This will allow us to install fiber using the same lines that we use to provide electricity.
At the time, he said, “We want to establish and operationalize a digital hub in every ward to sort the question of youth unemployment.”
