By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The African Network
Information Centre (AFRINIC) has highlighted the importance of Autonomous
System Numbers (ASNs) in enabling networks to establish their own identity,
exchange routing information and connect independently across the Internet.
AFRINIC made the observation
during the Kenya Peering Forum 2026, where it engaged Kenya’s Internet
community on technologies, resources and practices supporting stronger and more
resilient network infrastructure.
During a presentation titled
“Unlocking Network Potential,” AFRINIC representative James Chirwa explained
the process of acquiring an ASN and its role in enabling networks to identify
themselves uniquely on the Internet.
An ASN allows networks to
connect, exchange routing information and peer with other networks, supporting
more efficient and resilient interconnection across the Internet.
AFRINIC said strengthening
technical understanding of network resources and interconnection is
increasingly important as Kenya’s digital ecosystem expands and demand for
reliable Internet infrastructure grows.
The organisation’s
participation in the forum provided an opportunity to engage network operators
and other Internet stakeholders on practices that can improve local
connectivity, routing efficiency and network resilience.
AFRINIC said stronger local
network interconnection will be important to the continued development of
Kenya’s Internet ecosystem and to building more resilient infrastructure across
Africa.
