Kenya to transform power transformers into internet hotspots

Kenya has announced an innovative plan to convert its 70,000+ power transformers into internet hotspots, aiming to enhance internet access across the country. This initiative will be implemented through a partnership between the government and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company.

The project, unveiled over the weekend, will utilize existing power lines instead of laying new fiber optic cables. Eliud Owalo, the cabinet secretary for information, communication, and digital economy, stated that Wi-Fi hotspots would be installed on Kenya Power transformers. "Kenya Power has 74,000 transformers all over the country," Owalo said. "Where there is a transformer in that location, we will leverage that infrastructure to have an internet hotspot."

The initial goal is to establish 25,000 hotspots, but the total number of transformers allows for a potential tripling of that target. Owalo highlighted the cost-efficiency of this method, noting that laying fiber through traditional trenching costs approximately KSh2.3 million (US$17,510) per kilometer, whereas utilizing the power infrastructure reduces the cost to KSh600,000 (US$4,568) per kilometer.