A Kenyan parliamentary committee has proposed legislation requiring telecommunications companies to share infrastructure funded through the Universal Service Fund (USF), aiming to improve connectivity in underserved regions.
The initiative, outlined by the Communication, Information, and Innovation Committee, mandates the Communication Authority to construct shared base transceiver stations in seven arid and remote counties: Isiolo, Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana, and Wajir.
The USF, established to support network expansion in economically disadvantaged areas, is financed through mandatory contributions from licensed telecom operators across all market segments.
Originally designed to incentivize investment in regions where private companies face financial challenges, the fund has sparked debate over its implementation and oversight mechanisms.
