Kenya's available international bandwidth increased 25-fold between March and June this year, leaving the country using less than 1% of it, according to new figures from the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK).
Kenya's available bandwidth increased to 5 137 237.12Mbps in the second quarter of 2011, but is as yet barely utilised, the commission reported. This is despite the fact that Internet subscriptions rose by 10.9%, from 3.84 million to 4.25 million, over the same three months, with the total number of Internet users rising by 13.6%, to 12.53 million.
About 31.8% of the Kenyan population are now able to access the Internet.
The increased available bandwidth is the result of the arrival in Kenya of the 10 000km Eassy fibre-optic cable, which links SA with eight southern and eastern African countries. The cable is the third of its kind in Kenya, joining Seacom and Teams, but offers by far the greatest bandwidth capacity. Its arrival means there is now sizeable bandwidth available for overseas investors in Kenya's technological market, which is emerging as a regional hub.
Some companies are already moving to take advantage of the increased capacity, such as South African company Internet Solutions (IS), which increased its majority stake in Internet Solutions Kenya from 51% to 80%.
IS Kenya MD Loren Bosch said investments in the new fixed-line and wireless infrastructure were set to fuel rapid growth in the sector.
"Kenya forms the hub of the East African operation, as it is strategically well-placed to serve a number of other key countries, such as Tanzania and Uganda," said Bosch. "This investment will ensure we have the resources and capabilities to successfully roll out into these key regions and secure sustainable market share."
A recent Kenya ICT Board trip to the country's “Silicon Savannah” was also targeted at drawing foreign firms to invest in Kenya's increased bandwidth capabilities.
Private companies have played a significant role in the early stages of Kenya's technological revolution, with the likes of Ushahidi, Omidyar Network and Hivos providing funding to help launch Nairobi projects such as iHub and m:lab.
The Kenya ICT Board is also actively seeking investment in the sector, with Kenya's technological boom epitomised by plans for the Konza Technological City on the outskirts of Nairobi.
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