Table 2: Sub-location population 3G coverage | |||||
Coverage | 100% | >90% | 50% - 90% | < 50% | 0% |
Sub-locations | 2,454 | 1,324 | 1,146 | 977 | 1,244 |
Table 4: Estimated 2G and 3G Network coverage by County
| ||
County | 2G (%) | 3G (%) |
Baringo | 87.7 | 49.1 |
Elegeyo Marakwet | 97.1 | 34.7 |
Garissa | 58.1 | 4.6 |
Isiolo | 54.7 | 16.4 |
Kajiado | 74.4 | 38.9 |
Kilifi | 91.9 | 51.5 |
Kitui | 89.2 | 49.8 |
Kwale | 91.5 | 46.4 |
Laikipia | 90.8 | 48.9 |
Lamu | 82.4 | 34.4 |
Mandera | 66.9 | 9.4 |
marsabit | 56.6 | 25.2 |
Narok | 86.7 | 29.9 |
Samburu | 55.5 | 14.0 |
Taita-Taveta | 96.4 | 43.4 |
Tana River | 85.8 | 12.8 |
Turkana | 34.8 | 10.2 |
Wajir | 48.2 | 8.4 |
West pokot | 69.0 | 13.3 |
In the current era of eCizitenship where a lot of government services are moving online are we not disenfranchising a huge swath of the country?
My comments questions are:-
1. Are the above statistics realistic in the true sense of the word? What I mean is this:-
If you take Garissa, Wajir and Mandera where coverage is less than 10% I wonder whether taking into account huge parts of these counties (or any other county for that matter) that are probably not inhabited is realistic? Wouldn't it be more realistic to take account coverage in areas where there is a sizable population?
2. In counties like Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale where reliable connectivity is a joke a few miles from the county headquarters it would be good to hear from the USF what they intend to do about this. Whilst empowering a few schools with connectivity is a great idea I think we are missing out on great opportunities and progress where we lack high speed Internet.
3. How are we doing in lighting up the dark fiber that is NOFBI? What incentives are there for the likes of Safaricom, Liquid, Jamii, Airtel, Orange and the mushrooming community ISPs to give them the push to unleash broadband in the furthest corners of this country?
4. How much is currently sitting in the USF? What is the utilization levels, burn rates and the efficacy of the projects they have undertaken? In short can we a financial statements from the beginning to date?
5. Lastly, as we work hard to cover this country with Broadband can the USF consider offering WiFi zones of high speed Internet in EVERY COUNTY at hugely subsidized prices to enable citizens access eGovernment Services? A good place to start would be in ALL Huduma Centres and say within a 3 km radio of every Huduma Centre?
Thank you Rachel for showing us how community engagement by a Government Agency can enhance collaboration and shed light on issues of strategic interest to the country.
Table 2: Sub-location population 3G coverage
Coverage
100%
>90%
50% - 90%
< 50%
0%
Sub-locations
2,454
1,324
1,146
977
1,244