Kenya is leveraging its electricity infrastructure to expand nationwide internet access, aiming to connect 8.4 million homes by 2027 using Kenya Power's power lines for fibre optic deployment.Government Initiative
The Kenyan government has launched an ambitious plan to provide internet access to millions of households by utilizing Kenya Power's existing electricity network. Instead of traditional trenching methods for laying fibre optic cables, the strategy involves running fibre through power lines directly to homes, which is expected to reduce costs and accelerate deployment. The project is estimated at Sh10 billion, funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF), which collects levies from telecom operators to support ICT connectivity in underserved areas .
Role of Kenya Power
Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC) is the national utility responsible for electricity transmission and distribution, serving over 9.6 million customers . Its extensive network provides a strategic backbone for the fibre optic rollout, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. By integrating internet infrastructure with electricity delivery, Kenya Power enables simultaneous expansion of energy and digital services, improving accessibility and efficiency.
Energy Sector Context
Kenya's energy sector is heavily focused on renewable energy, which accounts for 82% of installed electricity generation capacity and 93% of actual consumption . The country leads Africa in geothermal capacity and maintains a robust transmission network of 9,484 kilometers, including regional interconnectors for cross-border electricity trade . This reliable energy infrastructure underpins the feasibility of using power lines for internet delivery.
Benefits and Implications
- Cost-effectiveness: Using existing power lines avoids expensive trenching and reduces installation time .
- Rural connectivity: The approach targets underserved areas, bridging the digital divide.
- Energy and ICT synergy: Combining electricity and internet infrastructure enhances service delivery and supports Kenya's broader digital transformation goals.
- Sustainability: Leveraging renewable-powered electricity networks ensures that internet expansion aligns with Kenya's clean energy objectives .
Outlook
By 2027, the initiative aims to connect 8.4 million homes, significantly increasing internet penetration while capitalizing on Kenya's strong energy infrastructure. This model demonstrates an innovative approach to integrating energy and digital infrastructure, potentially serving as a blueprint for other countries with similar energy networks .
