The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has onboarded one of the leading Internet Service Providers (ISP), Syokinet Solutions, to activate 1.6 TeraBits Per Second (Tbps) data capacity on KPC’s fibre optic cable which runs from Mombasa to Nairobi.
The new high-capacity fiber link will bring fast gigabit internet speeds and unparalleled reliability to homes, businesses and community networks in Kenya’s two largest cities, representing a major advancement in Kenya’s digital infrastructure and connectivity goals.
Speaking during the launch event held at KPC’s Nairobi headquarters, Managing Director Joe Sang stated that this partnership exemplifies KPC’s commitment to enabling national infrastructure development as a key driver of Kenya’s digital transformation.
“Today’s launch represents a new milestone for KPC as we strive to expand and upgrade our fiber optic cable in line with our long-term business diversification strategy. The strategic partnership with Syokinet will unlock additional connectivity and offer high-speed internet services for homes and businesses between Nairobi and Mombasa. This is a major step forward in advancing Kenya’s digital infrastructure and supporting the government’s visionary Digital Superhighway agenda to accelerate the country’s transformation, creation of jobs and economic growth,” Sang remarked.
He expressed confidence in the security and resilience of the fibre optic cable infrastructure, adding that KPC looks forward to continued expansion, with plans to onboard more local ISPs to further boost connectivity.
“Our cables run securely alongside the pipeline right-of-way, providing inherent protection and minimal downtime. This strategic asset allows us to offer carriers highly reliable and low latency connectivity, and we expect this new service to generate additional revenue for KPC. We are actively engaging with more partners to maximize utilization of our infrastructure for the benefit of all Kenyans,” Sang added.
The partnership with Syokinet will provide increased backbone capacity on KPC’s fibre, with benefits that include faster gigabit connectivity to households as well as expanded reach for public WiFi services through hotspot and community network growth.
Likewise, the new fiber link will see increased diversity and resilience for enterprise data centers, and greater bandwidth availability for local ISPs and community networks in both Mombasa and Nairobi.
On his part, Syokinet CEO Ian Kasyoki commended Kenya Pipeline Company for deploying the most robust, scalable and reliable Fibre Optic Cable in the region. “Our collaboration represents the tremendous progress in expanding access to world-class digital services. By combining our internet services expertise with KPC’s impressive fiber infrastructure, we can enhance the quality of life by empowering customers with faster, more reliable connections. Syokinet is committed to working with partners like KPC to achieve the government’s vision of a digitally-enabled society,” Kasyoki remarked.
The transformative connectivity launch aligns with the government’s ambitious Digital Superhighway Project to expand Kenya’s digital infrastructure backbone. Through the project, the government aims to increase broadband connectivity across the country through laying 100,000 kilometers (62,000 miles) of fiber optic cable, establishing 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots in market centres across Kenya, and creating 1,450 digital hubs in every ward.
Over the years KPC has onboarded all the leading telcos and ISPs to its fibre optic cable network including Safaricom, MTN, Airtel Network, Jamii Telcom and Wananchi