The government of Kenya has announced plans to relocate crucial fibre optic cable by end of next month ahead of the construction of the Nairobi-Mau Summit project.
One of the key ICT infrastructure running along the road project is the National Optic Fibre Backbone Infrastructure (Nofbi). The fibre optic ring passes through 58 towns in 35 counties across Kenya. Relocation of the optic cable will be in four lots: Rironi-Naivasha via Mai Mahiu, Rironi-Naivasha, Naivasha-Nakuru and Nakuru-Mau Summit. The new design will integrate into Nofbi and connect to all government sites and institutions along the road as well as to the existing licensed internet service providers and telcos.
State Department of ICT and Innovation will undertake the relocation of fibre infrastructure to minimise downtime. The road project is a key segment of the Northern Corridor expected to significantly cut the travel time for both people and goods, reducing the cost of doing business time between Nairobi and Mau Summit. It entails expansion of 175Km road from Rironi to Mau Summit into a four-lane dual carriageway and re-carpeting of Rironi – Mai Mahiu – Naivasha Road.
A compliment of SGR
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) awarded the tender for the road to French firm Meridiam International, with others in the consortium including Vinci Highways SAS and Vinci Concessions SA. The project will be undertaken on a Public Private Partnership deal whereby, the private sector will raise finances for the road project, design, construct, maintain and operate the road on pre-agreed standards and specifications. This will be the second road the country has signed PPP on after it handed over the Sh59 bn JKIA-Westland’s Expressway to China Road and Bridge Corporation.
The concession for the road is within a time frame of 30 years. The road upon completion will also compliment the standard gauge railway (SGR) services between Naivasha and Malaba Border. The project cost has now been put at Sh160bn up from the previous budget of Sh180bn.
