The Ministry of ICT has commenced relocation of fibre optic cable along the Kenol – Marua road which is under construction.
The project is slated to take not more than one year so as to allow smooth construction of dual carriage from Kenol Town of Murang’a County to Marua in Nyeri.
ICT and Innovations Principal Secretary, Mr Jerome Ochieng on Wednesday noted that the project will be implemented under strict timelines saying efforts are directed to ensure the dual carriage project is completed by mid-next year.
The relocation of the fibre optic cable, the PS added, will not disrupt internet areas connected to the cable.
He noted that the project is being implemented by the Ministry of ICT in partnership with Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA) saying once completed, the trench will be carrying all the telecommunication companies’ infrastructure.
“The work of relocating the cable has been given to two companies. This is to ensure the project is completed within the given timelines. One company will work from Kenol to Sagana and the other from Sagana in Kirinyaga County to Marua,” stated the PS.
Kenol – Marua dual carriage covering 88 kilometres will cost Sh14.5 billion.
“We are working to ensure in future there is a specific trench to carry all telecommunication infrastructure among other lines of utilities like water pipes to avoid delays of road works,” said Ochieng at Kenol town Wednesday, where he launched the relocation project.
Ochieng urged all involved stakeholders to collaborate so as to ensure the project is successfully implemented.
KENHA Operations Manager in charge of the dual carriage, Engineer Daniel Cherono observed progress of the road has been hindered by delay in relocation of utilities.
He lauded the Ministry of ICT for commissioning relocation of fibre cable saying it will ensure the road works goes on smoothly.
“Power lines, water pipes and telecommunication infrastructure hindered our works but KENHA is working with all stakeholders to ensure the utilities are relocated early enough so as to allow construction of the dual carriage,” he added.
Meanwhile, the PS said the ministry is in process of connecting medical facilities with fibre optic cables to enable telehealth technologies.
Providing internet to hospitals, Ochieng stated, will ensure doctors can treat patients from the comfort of their homes adding that medical practitioners will be able to exchange ideas on treatment through the internet.
“We are connecting our hospitals with fibre optic internet. This will enable tele-medication and it will lower cost of movement and referrals,” he added.
By Bernard Munyao
