Plans to involve technology to curb insecurity in Kajiado

Communication Authority (CA) officials led by Principal Administrative Secretary at the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology Eric Kiraithe, (in white shirt) during a visit to the Kajiado county commissioners office Jude Wesonga on Friday 5th January 2024. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

The government will enhance internet connectivity to boost security in Kajiado County.

The connectivity will also help reduce rising cases of human-wildlife conflict and other cases in parts of the county.

Communication Authority (CA) officials led by Principal Administrative Secretary at the Ministry of Information, Eric Kiraithe, said the government had unidentified eight sub-counties where the network will be boosted.

"We have received reports from locals in this county about poor communication which have somehow rendered mobile phones irrelevant we will upgrade connectivity in this area," said Kiraithe.

The PS was speaking in Kajiado on Friday in the company of officials who have embarked on a one-week assessment of the areas for implementation.

The officials noted that some locals have been forced to trek for long distances so access to access the network.

''We are aware that in various parts of this county, locals have to trek for a long distance to make a call, this will be a forgotten case'' said Kiraithe.

Kiraithe says the project is part of the Universal Service Fund (USF) funded initiatives being implemented in at least 12 Counties said to be totally out of mobile network.

This is also expected to come in handy in mitigating the rampant human conflict by ensuring timely reporting of stray wild animals to rangers.

''Internet connectivity has many benefits to economic development, creating new ways to communicate and socialize, new business models and industries, and more efficient ways for firms and workers to operate'' said the officer.

Kajiado County Commissioner Jude Wesonga said the project will boost security and also help the locals access government services in remote areas

''We have people who cannot access the internet in these parts of this county, the initiative will also help in reducing human-wildlife conflicts as locals will be able to make distress calls to the relevant authorities.

He pledged that the administration officers would work hand in hand with Communications Authority officials to facilitate effective and timely completion of the project.