This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
On July 9, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta virtually launched the Loon internet balloons, marking a significant milestone in Kenya's quest for improved rural connectivity.
The innovative project, a partnership between Telkom Kenya and Alphabet, aims to provide 4G network access to 14 counties, bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Speaking during the launch at Radat Centre in Baringo County, Uhuru addressed locals via live WhatsApp video chat, urging them to take advantage of the improved telecommunication infrastructure to advance their social-economic activities.
"You now have a faster internet network. You can now sell your honey to the rest of the world. Take full advantage of it," Uhuru said.
ICT CS Joe Mucheru termed the launch as historic, adding that Kenya continues to lead the world in matters technology.
Project Loon, developed by Alphabet's X, uses balloons powered by on-board solar panels to provide fourth-generation (4G) coverage to areas with lower population densities.
The technology has been used in the past to provide connectivity to over 250,000 people in Puerto Rico after a hurricane.
