Safaricom Navigates New Waters: Pursuing Undersea Cable for Enhanced Connectivity
In a bold move poised to revolutionize Kenya’s digital landscape, Safaricom, the country’s leading telecommunications provider, has sought regulatory approval from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to construct its undersea cable. This significant step reflects not only a strategic business decision but also a commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering growth within the region.
The CA has confirmed that Safaricom is in pursuit of undersea cable landing rights, which would enable the telco to operate multiple submarine cables directly connecting Kenya to the global internet. Currently dependent on third-party cable providers such as SEACOM, Eassy, and TEAMS for international bandwidth, Safaricom’s self-sufficiency could bolster internet speed and reliability while minimizing disruptions.
Under the leadership of CEO Peter Ndengwa, Safaricom aims to become the first in Kenya to invest in its undersea infrastructure. In recent years, the company faced substantial challenges, including the need to procure additional internet capacity after disastrous underwater cable cuts that disrupted services. The incidents highlighted the vulnerabilities of relying solely on external sources, emphasizing a need for greater resilience—something that is echoed in the proverb, “A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t and even brags about it” (Proverbs 13:16).
Safaricom’s push comes at a time of escalating competition in the internet market, particularly with the advent of satellite services like Starlink, which began operations in Kenya in July 2023. The rise of this innovative technology has intensified the challenge for established providers despite Safaricom’s current leadership with over 550,000 fixed broadband connections. The call to innovate and adapt speaks to the timeless principle of perseverance in the face of obstacles, as echoed in Romans 5:3-4: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”
Engaging in the construction of its own undersea cable not only positions Safaricom for future growth but also reflects the biblical call to stewardship and responsibility. By taking ownership of their infrastructure and actively contributing to Kenya’s status as a regional hub for internet connectivity, they embody the principle found in Luke 16:10, which teaches, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much."
This prospective venture invites us to reflect on the broader spiritual lesson: in our personal and communal lives, true growth often requires taking initiative and responsibility for what lies within our grasp. It encourages us to be proactive in addressing our challenges instead of merely reacting, fostering a more connected and resilient future for ourselves and those around us.
As we observe Safaricom’s endeavors, let us be reminded that just as they seek to lay down strong foundations for a digital Kenya, we can also lay strong foundations in our lives through careful planning, wise stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to build towards a hopeful future.
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