The Communications Authority and the ICT Authority signed an agreement to deploy last-mile fibre optic cable connectivity to 19 unserved and underserved counties through the Universal Service Fund (USF).

The Technical Cooperation Agreement (TCA) signed on Monday will enable the CA to support the deployment of fibre in the identified counties at a cost of Sh5 billion through the Universal Service Fund (USF).

This move aligns with the USF's objective of facilitating the rollout of infrastructure and communications services in unserved and underserved areas, as well as the Government Digital Transformation Agenda (GoDTA) on deploying 100,000 kilometres of fibre.

The Counties targeted in this project include Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, Kitui, Laikipia, Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, and Narok.

ICT Authority CEO Stanley Kamangunya and Communications Authority CEO Ezra Chiloba after signing the agreement. PHOTO/COURTESY

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Communications Authority boss Ezra Chiloba expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that it will transform the country in the future.

"what we are doing today is phenomenal and will greatly transform the country in the coming years," Chiloba said.

Meanwhile, the ICT Authority's CEO, Stanley King, praised the partnership, which he believes will play a significant role in achieving the digital transformation agenda.

He also noted that it was an interesting time to begin the journey.

 ‘‘It is an interesting time to begin the 100,000km journey,’’ Kamangunya said.

The project will be implemented within a maximum period of three years.

The agreement gives effect to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two institutions in December 2022.