This follow-up is part of the Community-Centric Approaches to Planning, Design, and Deployment of Fiber Infrastructure in Kenya fellows who were trained at AFRALTI in Nairobi. Kijiji Yeetu had two trainees who committed their time, effort and engagement.
Kijiji Yeetu Community Network team of net wardens took on the challenge of bringing high-speed internet, Armed with fiber optic cables and a commitment to bridging the digital divide. Training by our team after The African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI) course, helped to network in Ambira and Ngunya villages, cabling in challenging terrain and limited infrastructure required careful planning, but our route ensured that even the most remote areas would be reached.
The installation process tested our resilience, with dense vegetation and rugged landscapes adding to the difficulty. However, we pressed on, ensuring precise cable placement and seamless splicing. After completing the network, we rigorously tested its performance using Optical Time-Domain Reflectometers (OTDRs) to guarantee reliability. The impact was transformative. Schools gained access to digital resources, healthcare centers connected to essential services, and businesses expanded their reach with tools for education, healthcare, and economic growth.
Our collaboration with Internet Society 48percent.org Association for Progressive Communications Missions Publiques ICANN Tanda Community Network Civic Tech Innovation Network was instrumental in this success. These partnerships provided the necessary support and resources to overcome challenges and achieve our goals. The newly established network not only bridged the digital divide but also fostered community development. Students could now participate in online learning, healthcare providers accessed up-to-date medical information, and local entrepreneurs leveraged digital tools to enhance their businesses. This connectivity laid the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous community, demonstrating the power of technology in driving social and economic progress.
