Kenya plans to invest $100 million in the deployment of an additional 27,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables to expand high-speed Internet coverage and accelerate the development of its digital economy.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by John Tanui, Principal Secretary for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the Digital Economy, during a meeting focused on expanding the national network and strengthening connectivity with neighboring countries. The program includes the development of long-distance transmission infrastructure, intermediate networks connecting urban centers to surrounding communities, and cross-border links with neighboring countries.
Through this project, Kenyan authorities aim to exceed eight million fixed broadband connections and bring Internet access closer to households already connected to the electricity grid. The expansion of the fiber-optic network is expected to facilitate the rollout of services by Internet providers in urban neighborhoods, rural areas and public buildings.
The latest data from the Communications Authority of Kenya, covering the second quarter of 2026, highlights the market's continued growth. By the end of June, the country had approximately 2.84 million fixed Internet subscriptions, representing a 32.4% increase year-on-year. Fiber-optic connections accounted for nearly 1.57 million subscriptions, up 29.7% over the same period.
According to John Tanui, the private sector has deployed 24,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables since 2022, compared with 17,000 kilometers installed by the public sector, highlighting the significant role of private operators in expanding the country's digital infrastructure.
With the planned addition of 27,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables, Kenya aims to strengthen its telecommunications network, reduce regional disparities in Internet access and make digital services more accessible to its population. The initiative is also expected to support digital economic activities and reinforce the infrastructure needed for the country's digital transformation.
