USTDA Supports Expanded Digital Access in Kenya

Arlington, VA - Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed a grant agreement with Kenyan telecommunications company Wilken Group Ltd (Wilken Group) for a feasibility study to address Kenya's internet affordability gap through the development of new fiber optic and 5G infrastructure between Mombasa and Malaba. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo witnessed USTDA's grant signing ceremony at the 2024 American Chamber of Commerce Business Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.

"Our partnership with the Wilken Group will help address the growing demand for secure, affordable, high-quality internet connectivity that can catalyze economic growth," said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA's Director. "USTDA support for this project opens another gateway for U.S. companies to actively participate in East Africa's burgeoning digital infrastructure markets."

The USTDA-funded study will assess the construction of a wholesale open access fiber optic network and a series of 5G-capable towers across approximately 730 miles (1,170 km) of railway between the cities of Mombasa and Malaba, where future demand for fiber connectivity is projected to outstrip the capacity of existing infrastructure.

"USTDA's grant funding will significantly enhance the importance of the project by validating capacity demand and measuring project impact nationally," said Graham Shaw, Wilken Group Chief Executive Officer. "The grant will support the Government of Kenya's mandate to focus on enhancing the digital space."

"Reliable connectivity is critical to economic prosperity in Africa. This USTDA grant demonstrates the United States' commitment to partnering with Kenya to create digital infrastructure that will empower Kenyans," said U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman.

U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded feasibility study should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.

USTDA's assistance advances Biden-Harris Administration priorities, including the Digital Transformation with Africa initiative to expand digital access on the continent, Prosper Africa, and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. USTDA's programming also follows through on commitments made at the December 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.

###

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | [email protected]