Kenya is rapidly expanding its fibre optic network domestically and internationally, including the upcoming Daraja submarine cable linking Mombasa to Oman.

Domestic Fibre Optic Expansion

Kenya is undertaking a major fibre optic rollout under the Digital Superhighway initiative, aiming to increase national coverage from 62% to 90% by the end of the next financial year, with a total target of 100,000 km of fibre . As of early 2025, approximately 56,000 km of fibre has been laid, marking the halfway point of the project . The expansion focuses on connecting underserved and high-risk areas, including rural counties, and linking over 700 government institutions to enhance digital services in health, education, and identity management . The government collaborates with Kenya Power, Safaricom, and other private sector partners to fast-track deployment and ensure operational integrity. Challenges include logistical hurdles in remote regions, security risks, and the need for ongoing maintenance and private sector support .

International Connectivity – Daraja Submarine Cable

Kenya is also enhancing its international connectivity through the Daraja Fibre Optic Cable, a 4,108 km submarine system connecting Mombasa, Kenya, to Salalah, Oman. This project is led by Meta in partnership with Safaricom, with Meta funding the cable and Safaricom managing the Kenyan landing segment . The Daraja cable features 24 fibre pairs, significantly increasing regional bandwidth compared to older systems, and is expected to go live in 2026 . This international link will support 4G, 5G, and fixed broadband expansion, improve low-latency connectivity, and facilitate cloud adoption and digital innovation across East Africa .

Impact and Strategic Importance

The combined domestic and international fibre initiatives aim to:

• Boost broadband access and digital inclusion in rural and underserved areas .
• Strengthen government digital services and e-governance platforms .
• Enhance economic growth by enabling digital businesses, innovation hubs, and knowledge-intensive industries .
• Provide resilient international connectivity to support regional and global digital integration . Kenya's fibre optic expansion represents a strategic investment in both national infrastructure and international digital connectivity, positioning the country as a regional hub for high-speed internet and digital services.