KENET was granted the Building Opportunities/Leveraging Technologies (BOLT) award, a substantial $200,000 donation from the Internet Society Foundation.Aligned with the Internet Society Foundation's overarching vision that "The Internet is for everyone," the BOLT Program focuses on propelling internet development, enhancing global internet access and connectivity, and fostering responsible innovation.                                                           

In its commitment to narrowing the digital divide within the educational and research sectors, KENET is connecting 20 beneficiary institutions, encompassing secondary schools, libraries, hospitals, and vocational colleges within a 10-kilometer radius of anchor universities on the KENET last mile fiber through a pioneering model known as "broadband islands." These islands involve linking education and research institutions within a 10-kilometer radius of a KENET anchor node, which could be a university, TVET, hospital, or any KENET member boasting a high-speed broadband connection, typically 1G or 10G. The last mile fiber or radio is deployed by KENET to serve these beneficiary institutions.

The broadband model cluster-centric approach has been used in connecting the Kaimosi Complex, often hailed as the "Cradle of knowledge," houses several institutions, including Jumuia Friends Hospital Kaimosi, Kaimosi Vocational Training Centre, and Kaimosi Girls High School, all benefiting from the project. This has enabled cost-effective connectivity, leveraging the proximity of institutions to maximize aggregate capacity distribution.

                                             Jumuia Friends Hospital Kaimosi and  Kaimosi Vocational Training Centre                                        

The impact of internet connectivity is vividly evident at Jumuia Friends Hospital Kaimosi, where stable internet connection has streamlined service delivery to patients and clients, resulting in reduced turnaround and waiting times. Hospital Administrator, Mr. Geoffrey Karani Nyongesa, acknowledges the transformative effect of the BOLT project, citing improved internet connectivity as pivotal to efficient service provision.

Similarly, at Kaimosi Vocational Training Centre, internet access has enhanced learning experiences, allowing trainees to access supplementary information via platforms like YouTube. Ms. Loice Muguva, HOD ICT, highlights the positive impact on administrative duties, including online meetings through the KENET Web Conferencing platform, improved security through CCTV installations, and increased awareness of global events among students and staff.

Furthermore, the internet connectivity has empowered students to conduct research without the financial burden of purchasing expensive data bundles. The Uasin Gishu County Library has seen increased footfall due to improved education support and enhanced research capabilities. Readers now benefit from the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) initiative, the Vitabu virtual library project, offering over 200,000 publications online, accessible from any location.

                                                 Uasin Gishu County Library                                                                                  

The BOLT project aligns seamlessly with KENET's mission to enhance digital inclusion through affordable connectivity services. KENET is enthusiastic about contributing significantly to the development of Kenya's digital learning and research, fostering innovation and improving working environments.