A telecom firm unveils Sh 8.5 billion worth fibre optic project for Lamu port

A telecommunication firm intends to invest Sh 8.5 billion into laying fibre optic network along the Lamu Port-Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor (LAPSSET) routes.

Liquid Telecom Group chief commercial officer Paul Statham said the project is still at proposal stage.

Mr Statham added that once approved by the relevant authorities, the project will see free Wi-Fi and other wireless distributed along the LAPSETT corridor from Lamu to Turkana.

Speaking in Lamu during a consultative meeting with Lamu county executive members over a similar proposal for the county, Mr Statham said the project will enable countries spearheading LAPSETT project to also attain technological advancement through reliable, high-speed, cost-effective voice and data services for investments and economical growth.

 Liquid Telecom Group  Business Development manager William Oungo(Left), Lamu county deputy governor Eric Mugo(center) and  Liquid Telecom Group chief commercial officer Paul Statham(Right) during a consultative meeting at KPA hall on possibility to start $ 2 miillion fibre optic network project in Lamu county.Photo GALGALO BOCHA

Mr Statham said in Kenya, counties such as Lamu, Garissa, Isiolo and Turkana among others will benefit heavily once the fibre optic network will operational.

The firm’s Business Development manager William Oungo added that they have shared the idea with LAPPSETT authority adding that they are hopefully that the concept will be endorsed before the commencement of the Lamu port.

Liquid Telecom Group chief commercial officer added that already through its Kenya based subsidiary, Kenya Liquid Telecom, they have allocated $50 million towards similar projects in all 47 counties.

 He said they have already completed building Sh 175 million data connectivity project in Siaya County that will help the underdeveloped area  spur in technological advancement and investments.

He said the firm has also helped Nakuru County to reignite its failed free Wi-Fi project around 20 kilometre radius at a tune of $ 2 million which he said will be re-launched this month.

Mr Statham said to avert vandalism of fibre optic cables for internet use, fibre towers will be built closer to the population settlements and link them to Wi-Fi nodes to help population have access to free internet connectivity to increase mobile phone connectivity in such areas.

He said fibre optic network has turned to be the latest necessities required both by local and international investors after security, water, power and road network.

Liquid Telecom Group has invested $20 million (Ksh1.75 billion) which has seen the installation of 17,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, the largest of its kind in Africa.