County invests Sh630 million in mobile phone connectivity

Kitui County Government has entered into a Sh630 million partnership with Safaricom to connect the region with mobile network.

The project, which entails the construction of transmitter masts in 21 locations across the county, will increase mobile phone connectivity from the current 30 per cent to 60 per cent. Each station will cost over Sh30 million.

During a meeting with Safaricom officials in his office, Governor Julius Malombe asked the mobile network operator to hasten its programme to ease trade and social interaction.

"Apart from helping to curb insecurity, the project is critical in boosting trade, tourism and social interaction," said the Governor.

Malombe cited Kitui East sub-county, which he said has the least mobile phone connectivity in the county.

Safaricom Regional Business Manager Franklin Okata assured the governor that a technical team would visit the region in two-weeks-time to start works.

"We have done a study of the region and identified suitable locations for the masts. Other neighbouring counties will also benefit from this connectivity," said Mr Okata.

INSECURE AREAS

Insecurity prone areas of Tana River and Garissa counties are likely to benefit form the project.

The company said it will construct a powerful transmitter mast at Makongo hill to serve Zombe/Mwitika, Voo/Kyamatu and Endau /Malalani Wards, that also suffer poor connectivity.

"The entire Kitui East constituency is poorly connected compared to the rest of the county," he said.

Other areas that will benefit include Nzangathi, Simisi, Kamutei, Wingemi, Nyaani, Mutwangome, Kathungi, Mulango, Kyatune, Mutukya, Mikauni, Kitui SDA, Mitamisyi and Twimiwa.

The county plans to construct new county headquarters to house sub-county administrators, ward administrators and county staff.

Malombe asked the mobile telephone provider to consider connecting county towns with Wi-Fi services in future.