Research Article
Rebuilding Kenya’s Rural Internet Access from the COVID-19 Pandemic
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-031-34896-9_17, author={Leonard Mabele and Kennedy Ronoh and Joseph Sevilla and Edward Wasige and Gilbert Mugeni and Dennis Sonoiya}, title={Rebuilding Kenya’s Rural Internet Access from the COVID-19 Pandemic}, proceedings={Towards new e-Infrastructure and e-Services for Developing Countries. 14th EAI International Conference, AFRICOMM 2022, Zanzibar, Tanzania, December 5-7, 2022, Proceedings}, proceedings_a={AFRICOMM}, year={2023}, month={6}, keywords={Digital Resiliency Last-mile Internet access Spectrum Sharing}, doi={10.1007/978-3-031-34896-9_17} }- Leonard Mabele
Kennedy Ronoh
Joseph Sevilla
Edward Wasige
Gilbert Mugeni
Dennis Sonoiya
Year: 2023
Rebuilding Kenya’s Rural Internet Access from the COVID-19 Pandemic
AFRICOMM
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34896-9_17
Abstract
In this paper, we share our findings on Research Paper 4 – one of the 15 research studies supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under the Connect2Recover Research Competition. The main objective of Research Paper 4 was to assess the level of digital resiliency for rural areas of Kenya in a two-pronged approach (before and during the COVID-19 pandemic) and the mechanisms that can be adopted as opportunity to “build back” rural connectivity. Hence, through desk research, the state of broadband access for Kakamega and Turkana counties, as representatives of rural Kenya, was evaluated. The evaluation focused on the connectivity for education and healthcare sectors. Further, field surveys were conducted in Kakamega and Machakos counties to obtain primary data and develop a demonstration mapping tool that can be inferred as a benchmark to effectively support connectivity initiatives for rural Kenya. Spectrum measurements were also incorporated in this evaluation to determine the extent of opportunity for rebuilding rural broadband through spectrum sharing. Therefore, alongside these findings, this paper shares recommendations at the end in terms of both policy and technology to reinforce digital inclusion for rural Kenya as part of the pandemic recovery strategies and safeguards against future hazards.
