Kenya Pipeline Launches Internet Services

Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has launched a fibre optic cable business through a cable that will run alongside its soil pipeline in a bid to diversify revenue streams.

The single-mode fibre (SMF) was initiated in 2018 under a tier 2 network infrastructure licence from the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK). The cable that was launched on Thursday, runs from Mombasa to Nairobi, through Nakuru, Eldoret and Kisumu.

Speaking during the launch, KPC Managing Director, Macharia Irungi said that the agency opted to leverage its infrastructure to provide better internet connectivity to Kenyans, especially in the rural areas.

“Just like in the pipeline business where we enable economic growth through fueling the economy through fibre optics, we are enabling internet connectivity in support of the Government’s agenda of Internet Mashinani.” said Irungu.

The company’s clients include telco service providers and ISPs with data and internet carriage including, Safaricom, Airtel and Jamii Telco Limited among others.

CAK CEO, Ezra Chiloba, lauded the initiative saying it will help boost the integration of ICT into all sectors of the economy.

“At this time, nearly all sectors are dependent on IT and through such an initiative, the country will be more connected and will subsequently boost the economy and ease the cost of living,” said Chiloba.

KPC will charge $22 per kilometre in addition to a $200 installation fee per site under a contract duration of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years.

On his part, ICT CS Joe Mucheru challenged companies like Kenya Power and Ketraco to launch such an initiative to improve the country’s infrastructure.