The national government, through the ICT Authority, has unveiled plans to develop a high-speed fibre optic network connecting 341 public institutions along the Isiolo-Mandera corridor. The initiative targets government offices, health facilities, schools, TVET institutions, and community centres across five counties.
Project Scope and Route
The project, detailed in a recent National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Gazette Notice, includes:
- 74.75 kilometres of backbone fibre optic cable forming the main route
- 62.018 kilometres of metro fibre networks in urban centres
- 194.517 kilometres of access networks linking institutions
The fibre optic corridor will span Isiolo, Meru, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties, aiming to boost digital connectivity in northern Kenya.
Environmental Considerations
NEMA has received the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study Report and is currently inviting public feedback before granting approval. The assessment highlights potential environmental risks such as habitat disruption, dust, noise, and waste generation during construction.
To mitigate these impacts, the project plans include:
- Utilising existing road reserves to avoid sensitive ecological areas
- Restoring disturbed sites with native vegetation
- Engaging licensed waste handlers for proper disposal
- Monitoring air quality and restricting construction to approved working hours
- Implementing biodiversity management plans where needed
- Ensuring construction equipment is well-maintained to reduce emissions
- Providing workers with appropriate personal protective equipment
Enhancing Digital Infrastructure
This fibre optic network is part of the government’s wider strategy to improve digital infrastructure and expand internet access to underserved regions through public institutions. Stakeholders and the public are encouraged to submit comments on the EIA report as NEMA prepares to make its final decision.
