Kenya explores partnership with Italy to boost digital infrastructure and inclusion
Date: 2025-03-11
The Principal Secretary of the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, has met with Pietro Piccinetti, CEO of Infratel Italia, a leading public company under the Italian Ministry of Economic Development. The meeting, held to explore opportunities for collaboration in telecommunications and digital infrastructure, highlighted Italy’s expertise in bridging the digital divide and its potential to support Kenya’s efforts to expand connectivity and drive digital inclusion.
Italy, a global
leader in telecommunications and digital infrastructure, has made remarkable
progress in deploying advanced fibre-optic and mobile networks, particularly in
underserved areas. Infratel Italia, established in 2003, has been at the
forefront of this transformation, playing a pivotal role in expanding Italy’s
broadband infrastructure and ensuring that even the most remote regions have
access to high-speed internet.
During the
meeting, Eng. Tanui and Mr. Piccinetti discussed Italy’s flagship initiative to
provide all residential and business units with fixed-line internet speeds of
at least 1 Gbit/s by 2026. This ambitious project has not only enhanced
connectivity but also enabled transformative applications in telemedicine, education,
and public safety, connecting hospitals, schools, highways, and remote regions
across Italy.
“Italy’s
expertise in high-speed internet and ICT hubs presents Kenya with a strategic
opportunity to expand its 100,000 km fibre-optic network, enhance mobile
connectivity, and accelerate digital inclusion,” said Eng. Tanui. “This partnership aligns with Kenya’s Vision
2030 goals, fostering economic growth, innovation, and stronger bilateral ties
while positioning Kenya as a technological leader in Africa.”
Infratel
Italia’s focus on underserved areas, where market forces alone are insufficient
to drive infrastructure development, resonates with Kenya’s efforts to connect
rural and marginalized communities. Eng. Tanui emphasized the importance of
public-private partnerships in achieving this goal, noting that Kenya’s Digital
Economy Blueprint prioritizes expanding connectivity to all citizens, including
those in remote regions.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
