Communications Authority of Kenya advances Open Fibre Data Standard to improve network planning
Date: 2026-03-05
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
The
Communications Authority of Kenya convened industry stakeholders to deliberate
on the proposed Open Fibre Data Standard (OFDS) and the establishment of a
Shared Fibre Infrastructure Database aimed at improving visibility and
coordination of the country’s terrestrial fibre networks.
Director General David Mugonyi stated that although
fibre infrastructure has expanded across all 47 counties, limited access to
comprehensive and accurate network data is constraining informed investment
decisions and effective planning. He noted that duplication, inefficiencies and
fragmented fibre data pose challenges to achieving universal, affordable
connectivity.
According to the Authority, the
proposed OFDS framework is designed to deliver accurate national fibre mapping,
reduce infrastructure duplication, enhance Universal Service Fund targeting,
lower deployment costs and strengthen overall network resilience.
The regulator clarified that the
initiative is not intended to expose sensitive commercial information.
Implementation will follow a phased approach under a trust-based governance
model with strict cybersecurity safeguards in place.
Officials
emphasized that achieving universal and affordable connectivity will require
coordinated collaboration among government agencies, industry players and
development partners.
