Expanding Digital Access Across Kenya

Updated: 3 days ago

Large parts of Kenya, especially rural and remote regions, continue to face limited access to reliable internet. This lack of connectivity restricts access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities—particularly for schools, health facilities, and small enterprises in isolated communities.

In partnership with the Internet Society Kenya Chapter, Help.NGO has been supporting local community networks to extend high-speed internet access to schools, health centers, and public spaces—connecting thousands of people in regions that were previously offline.

In Ugunja, Help.NGO worked with Kijiji Yeetu to bring high-speed internet to ten rural schools and nearby community hubs. Thousands of students now use online tools for lessons and research, while farmers and small entrepreneurs connect to markets, training, and government platforms, making digital access part of everyday life.

In the remote area of Marsabit County, reliable internet reached Ngurunit Secondary School for the first time. Teachers now use online materials and training resources, while students join virtual lessons and explore digital content beyond their textbooks. The connection also supports the local health center with telemedicine and emergency coordination, linking this isolated community to services once out of reach.

In Masara, the Gonline Africa community network connects schools, households, and public hotspots across Migori County. Residents use the connection for distance learning, healthcare, and small business operations, while women, youth, and farmers attend community trainings focused on digital tools and online marketplaces.

Within one of Nairobi’s most densely populated settlements, Gonline Africa manages a community hub offering affordable internet access and digital literacy training. The space enables students to study online, young people to develop digital skills, and small entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through e-commerce and online services.

In Nyandema, the Nyatike Community Network provides reliable connectivity for schools, a health center, and public hotspots. Students and teachers benefit from e-learning resources, patients receive teleconsultations, and farmers gain access to weather data and digital markets, strengthening both education and livelihoods.

In Kajiado West and Sipili, the Namelok network connects schools, health centres, and government offices, reaching more than 12,000 people. Internet access supports remote learning, healthcare delivery, and public administration while also enabling early-warning systems for floods and improved market access for local traders.

Together, these initiatives are expanding Kenya’s digital inclusion, enabling communities to learn, communicate, and thrive through reliable connectivity.

This initiative was implemented under the Internet Society Foundation’s grant funding, in partnership with local organizations across Kenya.

Written by Agata Klat and Nicole Fernando