Kenya plans to invest KSh 13 billion in expanding its national fibre-optic backbone and cross-border connectivity infrastructure, targeting at least 27,000 kilometres of fibre under the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP).
John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary in the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, announced the funding during a pre-bid session in Nairobi attended by internet service providers, telecommunications operators, investors, financiers and development partners. The meeting focused on a framework agreement tender for national backbone and cross-border links. Jessy Maruti, Chief Executive Officer of the ICT Authority, also attended.
The government intends to use its funding to attract matching private-sector investment, close connectivity gaps, improve network resilience and reduce the cost of connecting homes, businesses and public institutions. Infrastructure gaps will be addressed through a competitive Multi-Round Reverse Auction (MRRA) process designed to mobilise private capital.
Data from the Communications Authority of Kenya’s April to June 2026 report, cited by Tanui, showed that the country recorded 88 million mobile subscriptions, 54.9 million mobile broadband subscriptions and 54 million mobile money subscriptions during the period.
Fixed internet connections reached 2.84 million by June 2026, representing a 32.4% increase, while fibre connections rose by 29.7% to 1.57 million. Kenya’s submarine cables and cross-border links provide approximately 28.95 terabits per second (Tbps) of international bandwidth, supporting cloud computing, digital trade, business process outsourcing and innovation.
Tanui also highlighted progress in fibre infrastructure expansion since 2022. According to his statement, private operators added 24,000 kilometres of fibre, while the public sector contributed another 17,000 kilometres.
The government aims to increase fixed broadband connections to more than eight million, extending coverage to underserved areas and supporting wider participation in the digital economy. The planned infrastructure is expected to improve access to digital education, online employment, entrepreneurship, business markets and public services.
The initiative is being implemented with support from the ICT Authority, the World Bank and other partners. By combining public funding with private investment, Kenya aims to strengthen its national digital backbone and expand reliable broadband access across the country.
