Kenya is poised to transform its internet connectivity when launching the Daraja subsea cable project. Together with Meta, formerly Facebook, Safaricom, the nation’s top telecom provider, is constructing Kenya’s first undersea internet cable.
The project intends to establish a direct fibre optic connection between Mombasa and the Middle East to increase internet capacity, speed, and dependability.
This 24,108-kilometre cable will cost $23 million and transport 24 fibre pairs, significantly more than the 8 to 16 fibre pairs often found in earlier systems.
A leap in Kenya’s Internet capacity
The Daraja initiative is a substantial improvement to Kenya’s digital infrastructure. In recent years, Kenya has experienced frequent internet disruptions, primarily due to an excessive dependence on external cable providers like SEACOM and EASSy.
Safaricom’s new subsea cable will significantly mitigate this vulnerability and enhance resilience. According to Wycliffe Musalia, Business Editor at TUKO.co.ke, “Daraja is more than just a big shiny cable. It’s independence.”
The new cable will support faster 4G, 5G, and fixed broadband internet across Kenya, helping hundreds of thousands of users stream videos, engage on social media, and conduct online business seamlessly.
Meta’s role and Impact on Africa’s connectivity
Meta’s investment comes through its infrastructure affiliate Edge Network Services, which joins the project as co-financier and technology partner.
This move aligns with Meta’s broader vision to improve connectivity across Africa through projects like the 2Africa subsea cable, which will span 45,000 kilometres, connecting Africa to Europe and the Middle East.
Meta’s global initiatives suggest that new subsea cables could boost African GDP by as much as $37 billion in the coming years. Daraja will be operational in 2026, signifying Meta’s increasing commitment to Africa’s digital growth and Safaricom’s ambition for autonomy in internet service delivery.
The new subsea cable is not just an infrastructure project. It is a strategic step toward ensuring Kenya’s long-term digital independence and enhancing internet access for millions.
The Daraja cable promises faster, more reliable internet at a time when the demand for bandwidth is higher than ever. This partnership between Safaricom and Meta marks a bold chapter in Kenya’s connectivity story.