Bayobab Kenya, which is part of Bayobab Group, the digital infrastructure business arm of MTN Group, is thrilled to announce the completion of a multi-million-shilling long-distance fibre network, connecting Mombasa to Malaba and Busia. The long-distance fibre runs up to the border of Kenya and Uganda where it interconnects into Uganda for onward connectivity to Rwanda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) thus, revolutionising connectivity and boosting reliability in this vital region. The long-distance fibre follows Kenya Railway’s metre gauge railway line route spanning over 1,000 kilometres on the Kenyan side offering an opportunity for towns along the route to be connected to the internet. Internet Service Providers looking at expanding or boosting connectivity in the areas along the route will be able to leverage Bayobab Kenya’s open access long-distance fibre infrastructure as an efficient high-capacity backbone.
In 2022, Bayobab Kenya launched the first phase of its National Long-Distance fibre running from Mombasa to Malaba along the Kenya Pipeline route. The two fibre routes will complement each other offering the much-needed diversity and redundancy of delivering internet services. The newly-launched route will provide a unique alternative for carriers looking for network resilience over existing routes, high-capacity backbones or dark fibre along the route.
Bayobab Kenya’s visionary projects in Kenya align with Bayobab Africa’s 2023 recognition as the Best African Carrier, showcasing the company's dedication to delivering excellence in connectivity solutions. This initiative signifies a transformative step in enhancing telecommunications infrastructure and bridging the digital divide across Kenya and throughout Africa.
Bayobab Kenya’s Managing Director, Sylvia Anampiu, expressed her pride regarding this milestone project. “Our Mombasa-to-Malaba Fibre Project in Kenya is a testament to our vision for a connected and empowered country and continent. By connecting Mombasa to Malaba, we aim to create a seamless pathway to Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and DRC, fostering economic development and growth across these countries."
"Our strategic investment in Kenya’s segment of the East -to-West Fibre Project underscores our dedication to pushing the boundaries of telecommunications infrastructure through our Ambition 2025 of building 135,000KM of proprietary fibre across Africa. This project is about connecting communities and businesses, creating opportunities, and delivering a modern connected life to more people across the continent. We are confident that this initiative will be a game-changer for connectivity in Kenya and beyond," she added.
This new route represents a significant milestone in boosting reliability and ensuring low-latency connectivity inland and cross-border between the East and West coasts of Africa, a vital step towards enhancing the digital economy, trade, and economic growth within the region. It will also link landlocked countries to subsea cables at the port of Mombasa using the shortest route and provide a unique route to protect and strengthen services for Bayobab Kenya’s existing and new customers.
The launch event was well attended. Alongside representatives from Kenya Railways, a partner to Bayobab Kenya, Emmanuel Kata Kimeu, ICT Secretary at the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy; David Mugonyi, the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA); and James Turuthi, the chairman of the Technology Service Providers of Kenya (TESPOK) were in attendance.
