Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the digital divide with the launch of the Africa Broadband Mapping Systems Project (BPMAPS), a continental initiative that aims to enhance data driven planning and investment in digital infrastructure.
The launch, held in Nairobi, was presided over by Principal Secretary (PS) for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke, who praised the partnership between the Government of Kenya and the European Union (EU), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
Isaboke noted that the initiative is a significant milestone not only for Kenya, but also for the wider region and the continent, given its potential to transform Africa’s digital future.
He stressed that broadband connectivity was no longer a luxury but a necessity, describing it as a critical driver of socio-economic transformation that powers innovation, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
“The government has placed broadband connectivity at the core of the National Digital Masterplan and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. We are committed to ensuring that no community is left behind in accessing the opportunities brought about by digitalization,” affirmed the PS.
Further, he highlighted the ongoing rollout of 1,450 digital hubs across the country, as part of government efforts to accelerate connectivity, highlighting that harmonized and accessible broadband maps would be vital in guiding investments, policy direction and infrastructure development.
According to the PS, the Africa broadband maps are designed to be holistic, linking connectivity with energy, transport and healthcare, supported by open data and international standards to improve transparency and collaboration.
Additionally, Isaboke pledged that Kenya would continue strengthening broadband policy and infrastructure mapping, improving data accuracy, monitoring and capacity building.
“Kenya is already recognized as a leader in broadband policy and infrastructure mapping and we will sustain these efforts until every Kenyan is connected,” he assured.
Speaking at the event, Communications Authority of Kenya Director General (DG), David Mugonyi, underscored the importance of broadband in accelerating national growth portraying broadband as the engine of economic growth, social inclusion and national resilience.
“Anyone standing in the way of digital transformation is an enemy of progress. For too long, Africa’s greatest enemy has been the digital divide, and we must confront it with data and action,” Mugonyi remarked.
He noted that while Kenya had made significant progress, major gaps still exist in connectivity.
According to the DG, statistics from the Authority show that only 47.5 percent of households in Kenya have access to the internet compared to 97 percent in Australia and 94 percent in Belgium.
In rural areas, internet access is as low as 26 percent, reflecting a sharp disparity between urban and rural connectivity.
Mugonyi explained that the BPMAPS platform would use real-time, GIS-based broadband mapping to provide a clear picture of coverage across the country.
“By integrating crowd-sourced data and independent audits, the platform will improve accuracy and highlight areas that remain underserved,” he added, revealing that at present, 164 sub-locations in Kenya still lack 3G and 4G coverage.
Nevertheless, the DG commended ongoing investments in mobile and fiber networks, the establishment of the Universal Service Fund and the implementation of the National Broadband Strategy.
However, Mugonyi emphasized the need for more reliable data, better service mapping and broader collaboration.
“We call on operators, civil society, academia and development partners to join us in this mission of achieving affordable, universal connectivity,” he rallied.
In her remarks, the EU Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, applauded the government of Kenya and its partners for spearheading the initiative and characterized Kenya as a digital leader in East Africa, recognized for its innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity.
“I am honored to be part of the launch of the Africa Broadband Mapping Systems Initiative in Nairobi. This is a strong demonstration of Kenya’s leadership role in digitalization,” she expressed.
Amb. Geiger observed that broadband penetration in Kenya stands at 44 percent, with even lower levels in rural areas.
Similarly, she explained that while comparisons with advanced economies such as Belgium and Australia may seem unfavorable, they should in fact be seen as a compliment, given that Kenya is already competing with some of the world’s most digitally advanced nations.
In addition, the envoy stressed that connectivity should not only be viewed from a technological perspective but also from a social and economic lens as she highlighted that connectivity is about people, inclusion, opportunity and equal development across the nation.
Likewise, Amb. Geiger pointed out the European Union’s Global Gateway Initiative, which is mobilizing up to 300 billion euros globally between 2021 and 2027 to support the expansion of digital infrastructure.
She further outlined several EU-supported projects in Kenya, including the UNICEF-Giga programme which aims to connect 1,000 schools to the internet, broadband expansion in informal settlements and plans to extend the Bluma-Rayman subsea cable from Djibouti to Kenya.
“Through these partnerships, our goal is to ensure that every Kenyan child, entrepreneur and community has a fair opportunity to benefit from the digital economy,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Africa Broadband Mapping Systems Project is expected to play a crucial role in providing accurate data to guide infrastructure investment, shape government policy and enable private sector participation.
The initiative is aligned with both Kenya’s national priorities and international commitments to ensure that no region or community is excluded from the benefits of digital transformation.
By Wendy Sheilla
