The Information Communication and Technology Ministry has revealed that the government is set to save billions by using Kenya Power to create an internet connection.
In the new deal which was announced by Energy Minister Davis Chirchir, Kenya Power is set to undertake the connection of fibre optic cables to enhance internet connectivity.
Further the ICT Ministry, recently confirmed that the cables will be laid on Kenya Power cable lines, with the government expected to pay Ksh300,000 per Kilometre of cable.
The Cabinet Secretary, Eliud Owalo, stated that the shift from the traditional laying of the cable underground was set to lower the costs and reduce the time spent fixing cables.
According to the government, the shift in laying the internet cables is expected to save them Ksh2 million per Kilometre with previous fibre cables accruing an expense of Ks2.3 Million per kilometre.
“We are currently spending about Ksh2.3 million to lay one kilometre of fibre optic cable but, through the arrangement with Kenya Power, this is poised to come down to Ksh300,000,” stated Owalo.
A calculation of the costs expected to be accrued in the project reveals that the government should save at least Ksh200 billion.
Additionally, it is expected to run concurrently with the connection of power to rural areas under the Last Mile Connectivity project.
According to CS Owalo, the government aims to push the project to ensure connectivity of all ICT hubs that will be established in each ward.
Further Owalo stated that the ICT hubs had already trained 149,000 youths in the project to undertake digital jobs.
“We are going to set up digital hubs in all the wards across the country to enhance access to the free digital skills training program,” he said.
One digital hub, will be expected to train up to 1,500 youths annually, according to Owalo.
