The government has set aside KSh13 billion to expand Kenya’s fibre-optic network, targeting at least 27,000 additional kilometres of backbone, middle-mile and cross-border fibre infrastructure.
ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary John Tanui said the investment would draw private-sector investment and fill connectivity gaps in the country.
Speaking during a pre-bid session in Nairobi on the System Agreement Tender for Extending National Backbone and Cross-Border Links, Tanui revealed that the project is part of the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP).
The project aims to improve network resilience and reduce the cost of connecting homes, businesses, and public institutions to broadband.
The report showed Kenya had 2. 84 million fixed internet connections as of June 2026, up 32. 4 per cent from June 2025. Fibre connections stood at 1. 57 million up 29. 7 per cent between June 2026 and June 2025, the report said.
The government aims to grow the fixed broadband connectivity number to above 8 million and eventually connect every home with an electricity connection.
The project will establish support in a transparent, competitive process, using a Multi-Round Reverse Auction, which encourages private sector investment.
Tanui said expanded connectivity would support digital education, online employment, entrepreneurship and access to wider markets.
It’s anticipated that the investment will lever off Kenya’s current fibre network to further cement the country’s role as a regional digital access point.