This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
On May 5, 2020, Kenya launched an innovative project to enhance internet connectivity using Loon balloons, a collaboration between Alphabet Plc and Telkom Kenya.
The project aimed to address the challenge of limited internet coverage in rural areas, particularly in north-eastern Kenya, where terrorist attacks have been on the rise.
According to the International Crisis Group, the destruction of communication masts by Al Shabab has had dire socio-economic consequences for communities in the region, including the disruption of mobile phone money transfer systems and the limitation of security forces' ability to respond quickly to attacks.
However, the Loon balloons project seeks to address this challenge by providing stable, reliable broadband connectivity to rural areas, thereby bridging the digital divide and unlocking social and economic opportunities for local communities.
As Mr. Mwachinga, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Partner at Viva Africa Consulting LLP, noted, 'The Loon balloons floating high in the stratosphere denies the Al shabab a crucial target. The balloons will also provide high speed internet connectivity to local communities, thus boosting security responses, since residents can report incidents without communication disruption as has been the case.'
The improved connectivity will also aid ongoing efforts to counter violent extremism and radicalization, as well as enable closer monitoring of security threats and better coordination of responses.
