Fibre optic cables relocation won't disrupt internet – PS

The planned relocation of a fiber optic cable along the Nairobi- Mau Summit Road is set to start and will not disrupt internet services as claimed by some residents.

The project was initiated by the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs to pave way for the construction of the Sh160 billion dual carriage. 

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, ICT and Innovation PS Jerome Ochieng  said the key mandate of the ministry is to enhance, and not to disrupt the provision of Internet services.

The PS further added that the implementation of Kenya’s National ICT Policy of 2019 has seen creation of infrastructure conditions that enable the use of  high speed- wireless internet across the country.

"The ministry in conjunction with the Ministry of Infrastructure through KeNHA is implementing permanent relocation of the fiber cable along the Rironi–Mau Summit Road which will be carrying all the Telecommunication Companies ICT infrastructure," he said.

Ochieng recently launched a project to relocate fiber cables along the Rironi-Mau summit road.

The road project is aimed at expanding the two-lane Nairobi to Mau Summit highway into a four-lane dual carriageway.

While addressing  a stakeholder meeting last Wednesday in Kiambu,  the PS said the cable will be relocated permanently in the 240 kilometres that will be affected.

This will take up to six weeks and provision of internet services will not be interrupted during this relocation.

Ochieng emphasised the need to finish the project within the shortest  time possible.

“It is worth noting  that this project has strict timelines that all are supposed to ensure we achieve,” he said.

The PS said it was part of preparations for the construction of a dual carriageway from Rironi to Mau summit expected to begin in September.

Four companies have been contracted to do the job.

Ochieng had led a team of stakeholders from the ICT ministry together with a representative from the KeNHA.

In attendance was Bernard Njoroge, the managing director of Adrian Kenya, one of the companies contracted to do the relocation.

Each section of the fiber relocation has been allocated to a different company.

“It is because of strict timelines that we thought it wise to divide the project into four sections to achieve this tight programme,” he explained.

Whitespace limited will work on the first phase, which goes to Naivasha through Mai Mahiu. 

Adrian Limited has also been contracted to relocate the cables to Naivasha but through the Kinungi route.

Soliton tech will cover the road from Naivasha to Nakuru as Geonet takes it to Mau summit.

Ochieng called for cooperation between the various stakeholders, saying  it is vital for the completion of the projection.

“Once the relocation is complete, the project will continue to deliver socio-economic transformation and help develop a huge information highway from the heart of Kenya to the rest of the country," he added.

Residents will be given priority in the job opportunities during the relocation.

The road construction contract was awarded to a French consortium.

The PS said Kenya has made great strides in broadband coverage including investment of over 200 million US Dollars in the National Optic Fibre Backbone Infrastructure.

The project touches all 47 counties leading to access, reliable, affordable and secure broadband in Kenya.

"We have completed laying of additional 2500km of Fiber network under NoFBI  II expansion network," Ochieng said.

Further the National Broadband Strategy (2018-2023)  provides a roadmap towards the realisation of a connected and knowledge-based economy in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030.

Those present during the relocation of fibre Optic event included Limuru Deputy County Commissioner Charles Mukele, representing Kiambu County Commissioner who pledged his support.

“We will provide security and the OCS is here for that," Mukele said.

He also said that chiefs and other administration officers will assist in matters involving land or access to the route that the relocation is expected to follow.

KeNHA representative Julius Mutinda also pledged co-operation, adding that the agency has already made provisions for the installation of the fibre cable.

“The ICT fibre has been allocated the third metre from the edge of the road,” he said.

-Edited by SKanyara