Kenya is making an additional KSh13 billion (approximately US$100 million) available to accelerate its Digital Superhighway programme, with new investment targeting national backbone infrastructure and cross-border fibre connectivity.
Speaking at a pre-bid session in Nairobi on 13 October, John Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, outlined the funding under the World Bank-supported Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project, administered by the ICT Authority. The tender will allocate public subsidies through a competitive, multi-round reverse auction designed to attract matching private-sector investment. Applications close on 29 October.
The initiative aims to deliver at least 27,000 kilometres of additional backbone, middle-mile and cross-border fibre infrastructure, contributing to Kenya’s national target of 100,000 kilometres. Approximately 80,000 kilometres have reportedly been laid since 2022.
According to Ecofin Agency, Kenya recorded approximately 2.84 million fixed internet subscriptions as of June 2026, including around 1.57 million fibre connections. The figures highlight the remaining gap between current connectivity levels and the government’s ambition of reaching eight million fixed broadband connections.
For broadcasters and media distributors, the planned expansion of middle-mile and cross-border infrastructure is particularly significant. These networks provide the connectivity needed to transport broadcast contribution feeds, support IP-based content distribution and improve links between domestic networks and regional markets.
The reverse-auction model also introduces a financing mechanism that links public support to competitive bids and private capital participation. For the broadcasting sector, the success of the programme could influence the availability and reach of transmission capacity, supporting more efficient content delivery across Kenya and neighbouring markets.
