CA in Sh800m project to connect secondary schools with internet

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has embarked on a Sh800 million program to connect schools with internet.

The authority is using money raised from the universal service fund to deepen internet penetration as the government rolls out the school laptop project.

The authority has identified 896 schools across the country that will be connected to the internet by July 2017.

CA Director General Francis Wangusi said on Friday, that the authority would support the program for a period of four years, reducing its budgetary allocation during the period as schools fund for internet connectivity.

Under an arrangement made with the Ministry of Education, CA will provide 100 percent funding in the first year, and 75 percent funding in the second year with the Ministry of Education financing 25 per cent.

“We believe this is going to be a foundation through which we will grow our capacity and also enable our young children to start developing their critical skills in ICTs,” Mr Wangusi said.

All telecommunications companies in the country contribute to the universal service fund which is then used to finance those in remote or inaccessible areas.

The fund is primarily financed through mandatory contributions by licensed operators who contribute 0.5 per cent of their gross revenue.

The fund has so far collected Sh4.7 billion since its establishment in 2009 to subsidize the cost of ICT infrastructure roll out and expansion in un-served and under served areas.

CA will pilot the program in Bungoma County, where 54 schools will be connected to the internet.