Koko Networks, an energy solutions company with operations in India and East Africa, wants to venture into telecommunications and has applied for a tier-3 network facilities provider (NFP) licence in Kenya.

Koko Networks has built a reputation for its ethanol advocacy, educating Kenyan households on why they should adopt ethanol, claiming it is a cleaner cooking fuel substitute. The clean energy company was branching out to the telecom sector but needs a licence to operate.

By applying for a tier-three network facilities provider (NFP) licence from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), Koko Networks, an energy solutions company with operations in India and East Africa that is well-known for advocating for ethanol as a cleaner cooking fuel substitute for urban poor households in Kenya, is entering the telecommunications industry.

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With a tier-3 licence, Koko would be able to set up regional communication infrastructure using any technology—aside from satellite communications—and manage switching, routing, and transmission systems for sending signals via wire, radio optical, or other electromagnetic channels. It would also be able to build networks over utility infrastructure, such as electrical cables.

Koko Networks to compete with other tier-three Network Facilities Providers

Alongside current tier-3 NFPs like Dereki Enterprises Limited, Kwetu Computers Limited, Quick Fibre Limited, Millenia Limited, and Xtranet Communications Limited, the company joins several other organisations looking for telecommunications licenses in Kenya.

Other pending applications include Kimba Luxury Retreat Castle Limited and Newcom Towers Limited, which are vying for tier-two NFP licenses.

As Koko Networks looks to diversify its business beyond its current energy-focused operations, the expansion is a major step in that direction.

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Koko Networks to expand to rural communities with “KOKO Points”

By acquiring an NFP licence, Koko Networks may be able to expand its reach into underprivileged areas by using its network of “KOKO Points”—small retail locations where consumers buy ethanol—to provide internet access and other digital services.

Additionally, by doing this, Koko may be able to gather useful information on the tastes and behaviour of its customers, which might help it improve its business plan and possibly lead to collaborations with financial service providers or mobile network operators.