Residents of Nguuku in Mumoni, Kitui, will no longer have to walk three kilometres in search of mobile phone network after a communication mast was erected in the area.
Members of the Senate ICT Committee, who were touring the subcounty in the company of Communication Authority of Kenya officials, were told most areas in the country will be connected to mobile network by 2022.
Acting CAK director-general Mercy Wanjau said mobile network connectivity will make communication easier and open business opportunities.
Senator Fatuma Dullo, on behalf of committee chair Gideon Moi, urged mobile operators to focus more on service delivery rather than profits.
Businessman Noah Mwinzi told the team that new businesses have been opened in the area.
He said mobile phone communication was problematic and insecurity was high before the installation of the mast.
“In case of robbery or any other unlawful act, there was no way the authorities would be notified,” Mwinzi said.
He lamented that they used to trek three kilometres to the nearby town to make calls. Many did not see the importance of having mobile phones. Those who had them used them as timepieces.
“Many would use their phones to check the time. Communication was a nightmare.
"We commend our senator (Enock Wambua) for ensuring we are connected to the network,” added the businessman.
Nguuku M-Pesa operator Eunice Musyoki was appreciative, saying she was now earning her daily bread from her shop.
“Availability of network has made me secure employment and made the business easier to operate,” Musyoki said.
Boda boda operator Erick Mutinda said they used to hoist their phones on treetops to communicate due to poor network.
"Every time the phone rang, the owner would climb the tree to receive the call. The network connectivity has boosted our business in a big way. Our customers can call us from the comfort of their homes,” Mutinda added.
Also in the entourage were Wambua (the host), his Laikipia counterpart Nderitu Kinywa and Petronilla Were (nominated).
The team also toured Nthangani village in Thagicu sub-county and Kasiluni in Kyuso.
![Kitui Senator, Kiio Wambua[center] at Nguuku where communication mask has been erected.](http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BXYsNNHYhrWTOEoSjmeFat1kvNTAhOmo0JJk68c6PS6LetndbG59LY2HITKOwOpT3kJ9PN8PzujX4DkTKB9srZ2sYSI=s750)
