Safaricom, Aviate Networks partner to roll out 5G to remote locations

Kenya is set to experience a significant economic boost with recent headlines highlighting major investments and partnerships in key sectors. A $70 million investment deal for cold storage, a partnership between Safaricom and Avya Networks to roll out 5G to remote locations, and the commencement of the construction for the Nairobi Railway City are making waves in the country's economic landscape. CNBC Africa spoke to journalist Joseph Bonio to delve deeper into these developments. The $70 million investment deal for cold storage is a game-changer, especially for Kenya's fruit and vegetable producers. Cold Solutions, a cold store company, is set to invest approximately 7.5 billion Kenyan shillings in two cold storage warehousing facilities, one in Nairobi and the other in Mombasa. The warehouses promise to be the largest, most energy-efficient, and technologically advanced in the country. This investment is crucial as it addresses the post-harvest losses faced by producers due to inadequate storage facilities. With these new cold storage options, producers can now have a reliable means to store their produce, reducing wastage and increasing the quality of goods for export. Joseph Bonio highlighted the regional impact of such investments, noting that the East African region stands to benefit from increased trade opportunities. By expanding these cold storage facilities to neighboring countries like Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi, the region can enhance its trading capabilities, aligning with the goal of the East African community to trade as a unified block. The development of these modern cold storage facilities is not only a boon for local producers but also opens up avenues for increased trade within the region and beyond, especially with the advent of the Africa Free Trade Area. In another groundbreaking deal, Safaricom has partnered with Avya Networks to facilitate the rollout of 5G technology to remote areas in Kenya. This partnership aims to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that even the most underserved regions have access to high-speed internet connectivity. By leveraging Avya Networks' expertise, Safaricom plans to deploy 5G networks efficiently and cost-effectively, making the technology accessible to a wider range of customers. This move showcases a significant leap in technological advancement, positioning remote areas to enjoy fast internet speeds ahead of many urban centers in the country. Joseph Bonio emphasized the importance of this partnership in democratizing access to 5G technology, particularly in rural areas where connectivity infrastructure is often lacking. By offering 5G services at an affordable cost, Safaricom aims to provide equal opportunities for all its customers, regardless of their location. This move not only enhances connectivity but also aligns with the concept of leapfrogging, where developing regions adopt advanced technologies to accelerate their progress. Lastly, the commencement of construction for the Nairobi Railway City marks a long-awaited milestone in Kenya's urban development plans. The project, which has been in the pipeline for over a decade, is poised to transform Nairobi into a model African city. The Nairobi Metropolitan Services, under the leadership of a military general, is fast-tracking the development of this ambitious project, which will feature state-of-the-art facilities for meetings, conferences, high-tech factories, and residential areas with mixed-use components. The Nairobi Railway City project reflects Kenya's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and urban landscape to enhance competitiveness on a regional and global scale. With a focus on sustainable development and connectivity, the project aims to position Nairobi as a thriving hub for business, innovation, and community living. As construction begins, the city is gearing up for a transformative journey towards a brighter and more prosperous future.