Safaricom Kenya Limited has partnered with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to improve internet connectivity and ease communication in Samburu County.
Speaking in Maralal town today during the launch of the aerial fibre optic cable, Safaricom engineer in charge of fibre optic deployment David Njuguna said that the 110-kilometre-long fibre optic cable will be anchored on the KPLC poles linking Rumuruti town in Laikipia County to Maralal town in Samburu County.
Njuguna noted that once the cable is linked and becomes operational in two months’ time, 4G and 5G internet connections in Samburu County will be swift and efficient since it’s a high-capacity cable that will handle high traffic and no downtimes.
“We have a challenge of internet breakdown in this region from the already existing fibre optic cable but the Safaricom fibre is coming to enhance that by offering seamless connectivity,” he said.
The engineer said that the fibre will enable internet connectivity to homes, institutions and small businesses that require an internet connection for day-to-day operations.
Moses Ndungu the Operation Manager for Hatikva Communications contracted to install the fibre noted that the expected El-Nino rains pose a major challenge to the project since the electric poles from Laikipia to Samburu pass through rough terrain.
“We will give first priority to the inaccessible areas before the rains start and we will add 300 wooden poles along the 110-kilometer stretch,” he said.
Samburu Central Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) George Murage assured the engineering team that the government will assure their safety during the laying of the cable.
By Robert Githu
