Boost For Starlink In Kenya After Meeting With President Ruto
August 17th 2023
In a move to realize his ambitious Digital Super Highway masterplan, Kenyan President, William Ruto has joined forces with Elon Musk’s Starlink Company. The collaboration aims to propel the nation’s economy forward and generate employment opportunities, all while bridging the digital divide that has long hindered progress. The meeting held on Tuesday, August 15 was between President Ruto and Karibu Connect, a partner company authorized by Starlink to resell its products and services in Kenya. At the heart of the masterplan lies the promise of ensuring that all corners of the nation can harness the power of the Internet to foster economic growth and social advancement. The meeting, held at Eldoret Estate Lodge in Uasin Gishu County, underscored President Ruto’s commitment to expanding his digital master plan across the entire nation. He stressed the importance of embracing emerging technologies, including satellite connectivity, to accelerate economic progress. President Ruto extended an invitation to investors and partners to bolster high-speed internet access nationwide. He also lifted the 30 percent cap on local ownership, paving the way for increased investment from technology companies within Kenya. This strategic decision is expected to foster innovation, create job opportunities, and revolutionize Kenya’s digital landscape. “In addition to fibre connectivity, new emerging connectivity solutions such as satellite will be considered,” Ruto stated. Satellite is Musk’s forte. Starlink’s entrance into the Kenyan market in July of this year marked a turning point in the nation’s digital journey. The dollar billionaire emphasized that Starlink internet would be accessible throughout the country, including remote areas.