Home > Africa
 

Monday, May 4, 2004

Kenya's GSM network operator, Safaricom has launched its services in the Eastern province in a bid to expand its geographical coverage to key rural markets that are too remote to be covered by traditional Infrastructure.

Speaking during the launch, Mandera East MP Shaaban Ali Issak said, "Safaricom has brought a lot of business to us in Mandera and we have seen a steady increase in the communication-based business activities. I am sure many investors are also gearing up to move in this region which is what we have always wanted,"

This has come at a time when Safaricom’s CEO, Michael Joseph outlined the company’s commitment to providing mobile phone services of the highest quality countrywide as part of their contribution to Kenya’s economic, recovery programme.

Joseph explained that the Company had adopted the highly reliable Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) to extend its network services to the remote parts of Kenya.

"The North Eastern Province cannot afford to be left out of the digital divide, as the rest the country and the world at large moves on. By extending our services to this region, Safaricom hopes to open up the Region to economic prosperity,” Cited Joseph.

During the occasion and in a rare co-operate partnership, Safaricom joined hands with Barclays Bank of Kenya to assist Mandera High School. Safaricom donated Kshs 800,000 for the completion of the schools library complex, which is currently under construction while Barclays donated 20 personal computers.