This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in Kenya, President Uhuru Kenyatta's announcement of Google Internet balloons sparked both excitement and skepticism. The timing of the announcement, however, was met with criticism, with many Kenyans feeling that the focus on internet balloons was misplaced given the pandemic's impact on health and livelihoods.
Despite the initial backlash, I chose to give the president the benefit of doubt, hoping that the balloons would provide a much-needed solution to Kenya's internet affordability crisis. The reality, however, is that internet connections, despite being widely available, remain unaffordable for many Kenyans.
With the shift to online learning, shopping, and healthcare, internet access became a lifeline for many. However, the cost of mobile-based internet connections, even at the rate of one shilling per megabyte, quickly adds up, with a monthly bill of Sh5000 becoming a significant burden for many.
Designed to provide internet signals in remote areas, the Google balloons were seen as a potential game-changer in addressing Kenya's internet affordability crisis. However, three months after the president's announcement, the whereabouts of the balloons remain unknown, leaving many Kenyans without access to affordable internet.
As a lecturer at the Multimedia University of Kenya, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of the pandemic on education and healthcare. The lack of affordable internet access has only exacerbated these challenges, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to address this crisis.
Published on June 30, 2020
