Kenya will share in Sh2.3 billion (€15 million) from the European Union for a new broadband mapping project covering 11 African countries.

The Africa Broadband Mapping Systems (Africa-BB-Maps), launched in Nairobi, aims to create harmonised broadband maps to guide policy and investment.

The initiative is led by the International Telecommunication Union with EU support.

“The EU private sector is mobilising €300 million in this initiative. In Kenya, the EU is connecting 1,000 primary schools with broadband,” EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger said.

“The 15 million euros to be invested in Africa Broadband Mapping Systems will benefit 11 countries, including Kenya.”

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Kenya will also benefit from the EU’s expansion of the subsea blue cable linking Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania.

Other beneficiaries include Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Communications Authority Director General David Mugonyi said internet access remains limited, with only 47.5 per cent of households connected and just 26 per cent in rural areas.

“There is a need to eliminate this digital divide and facilitate the 164 sublocations which lack 3G and 4G internet to get connected,” he said.

Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke said broadband is central to Kenya’s digital goals.

“From education and healthcare to entrepreneurship and social inclusion, broadband has become an indispensable enabler in shaping modern economies,” he said.

He said broadband maps will help identify coverage gaps and guide investment.

“By developing harmonised, validated, and publicly accessible broadband maps, we shall be able to make informed decisions that optimise infrastructure investments and policy interventions,” he said.

Kenya’s participation in Africa-BB-Maps marks the operational start of the project, with officials saying it will help bridge the digital divide and support the country’s 2030 broadband targets.