The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has entered into a grant agreement with Wilken Group Ltd, a Kenyan telecommunications company, to conduct a feasibility study to bridge Kenya’s internet affordability gap.
This initiative involves the development of new fibre optic and 5G infrastructure spanning from Mombasa to Malaba. The signing ceremony for this grant occurred at the 2024 American Chamber of Commerce Business Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, where U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo was present to witness the event.
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The signing ceremony during the 2024 American Chamber of Commerce Business Summit in Nairobi, attended by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, highlights the international collaboration and support for Kenya’s digital infrastructure goals. Such partnerships not only bring in technical expertise but also pave the way for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Improved internet connectivity benefits various sectors, including education, healthcare, e-commerce, and agriculture, empowering businesses and individuals. It fosters innovation, facilitates access to information, and creates opportunities for economic empowerment and global competitiveness.
Ultimately, initiatives like these align with broader efforts to bridge the digital divide and harness the transformative power of technology for socio-economic progress in Kenya and beyond.
USTDA And Wilken Group, Addressing Internet Affordability Gap
The collaboration between USTDA and Wilken Group is strategically positioned to meet the increasing demand for secure, affordable, and high-quality internet connectivity that can catalyse economic growth. This partnership benefits Kenya and creates opportunities for U.S. companies to actively engage in East Africa’s rapidly evolving digital infrastructure markets.
Enoh T. Ebong, Director of USTDA, emphasised the significance of this initiative in enhancing economic prospects through improved internet access. The study, funded by USTDA, will evaluate the feasibility of constructing a wholesale open-access fibre optic network along with 5G-capable towers covering approximately 730 miles (1,170 km) between Mombasa and Malaba. This infrastructure expansion is crucial as future demand for fibre connectivity is anticipated to surpass current infrastructure capabilities.
The Importance of USTDA Grant
The grant from USTDA plays a vital role in amplifying the project’s importance by validating capacity demand and assessing its potential impact at a national level. By supporting the Government of Kenya’s focus on bolstering the digital space, this grant aligns with broader developmental goals to enhance connectivity and digital inclusion across the country.
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Graham Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Wilken Group, stressed the essential nature of reliable connectivity in driving economic prosperity across Africa. He highlighted the USTDA grant as a testament to the enduring partnership between the United States and Kenya in fostering digital infrastructure that empowers citizens and businesses.
The USTDA-funded feasibility study marks a significant step forward in addressing critical gaps in Kenya’s internet infrastructure. It not only underscores the commitment to international partnerships but also the role of technology in advancing economic development and societal progress. As the global digital landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like these are crucial in ensuring that communities and economies can leverage the full potential of digital connectivity for sustainable growth and innovation.