Telecom

Covid-19, insecurity slow down the expansion of telecom networks in underserved localities in Kenya (CA)

Covid-19, insecurity slow down the expansion of telecom networks in underserved localities in Kenya (CA)
Friday, 21 August 2020 11:31

In Kenya, works to extend the telecom infrastructure in underserved localities have been slowed down due to the current pandemic and the ongoing insecurity in the regions. This was reported on August 19 by Mercy Wanjua (pictured), the Managing Director of the Communication Authority (CA) to justify the delay in works.

Mercy Wanjua told the Senate Committee on ICT that the situation is mainly observed in the regions of Garissa, Mandera, Samburu, Marsabit, and West Pokot, but works could be completed by end-2020.

Supporting the statements of Mercy Wanjua, the ICT Minister Joe Mucheru indicated that there are indeed localities that are not yet covered because the Air Force has instructed a stop in works for security reasons. He added that talks between his ministry and the army are underway to find a consensus. “Once that is done we will see hundred percent coverage of the country, you will not see some areas have 2G while others have 4G,” Mucheru said.

The telecom infrastructure expansion was entrusted to the operators Safaricom and Telkom. Priority is given to localities with network coverage of less than 30%, which are not covered by the operators' obligations to roll out the network by 2022, as well as localities with a population of 1,000 or more.

On the same topic
Kenya's Ministry of ICT and Infratel Italia are partnering to advance broadband expansion, 5G rollout, and innovative infrastructure...
Technopark Casablanca partners with Renew Capital, which opens a regional HQ in Morocco Deal aims to link Maghreb and North/West African startups...
Egypt ranks 47th worldwide in The Global AI Index, ahead of South Africa and Ghana. The index evaluates 93 countries based on AI investment,...
PL’Power takes first place for converting plastic waste into electricity. The winning team receives CFA4.5 million and entry into an international...
Most Read
01

Camtel to launch Blue Money in 2026, entering Cameroon’s crowded mobile money market led by MTN Mo...

Cameroon: State Owned Telecommunication Company To Enter Mobile Money Market
02

Eritrea faces some of the Horn of Africa’s deepest infrastructure and climate-resilience gaps, lim...

AfDB Re-engages Eritrea With Strategy Focused on Infrastructure, Climate Resilience and Regional Integration
03

Huaxin's $100M Balaka plant localizes clinker production, saving Malawi $50M yearly in f...

Malawi: New $100M Cement Plant Targets Forex Crisis but Faces Energy Reality
04

Nigeria seeks Boeing-Cranfield partnership to build national aircraft MRO centre Project aims t...

Nigeria Pursues Boeing, Cranfield Partnership to Establish Aircraft Maintenance Center
05

West African universities met in Dakar to address youth employment Delegates drafted a 10-15 ...

West African Universities Draft Long-Term Training Plan to Meet Labor-Market Needs
Enter your email to receive our newsletter

Ecofin Agency provides daily coverage of nine key African economic sectors: public management, finance, telecoms, agribusiness, mining, energy, transport, communication, and education.
It also designs and manages specialized media, both online and print, for African institutions and publishers.

SALES & ADVERTISING

regie@agenceecofin.com 
Tél: +41 22 301 96 11 
Mob: +41 78 699 13 72


EDITORIAL
redaction@agenceecofin.com

More information
Team
Publisher

ECOFIN AGENCY

Mediamania Sarl
Rue du Léman, 6
1201 Geneva
Switzerland

 

Ecofin Agency is a sector-focused economic news agency, founded in December 2010. Its web platform was launched in June 2011. ©Mediamania.

 
 

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.