Nairobi — The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the ICT Authority (ICTA) on Monday signed an agreement on the deployment of last mile fibre optic cable connectivity across 19 unserved and underserved Counties.

The Technical Cooperation Agreement (TCA) will see the CA support the deployment of fibre in the identified Counties at a cost of KSh. 5 billion through the Universal Service Fund (USF). This move is in line with the USF objective of facilitating roll out of infrastructure and communications services in unserved and underserved areas.

The project supports the Government Digital Transformation Agenda (GoDTA) on the deployment of 100,000 kilometres of fibre, as part of efforts to enhance access to broadband across the country. The Counties targeted in this project include Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, Kitui, Laikipia, Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado and Narok.

"What we are doing today is phenomenal and will greatly transform the country in the years to come," said CA Director General Mr. Ezra Chiloba at the signing ceremony.

ICTA Chief Executive Officer Stanley Kamanguya hailed the partnership with CA which will go a long way in the attainment of the digital transformation agenda.

"It is an interesting time to begin the 100,000 kilometre journey," he observed.

The Project shall be implemented within a maximum period of three (3) years. The agreement gives effect the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two institutions in December 2022.