The Network expansion phase at the University of Kabianga has connected most of the Campus to fast and reliable Internet. The KENET team visited the University on 12 and 13 February 2018 to conduct a power on test (POST) on an ongoing project of the development of the Campus Backbone Network Infrastructure – Phase II and assessed that most of the active equipment for connection have been delivered and the project is almost complete.

For quite some time, students and faculty had limited access network services because network infrastructure existed in some buildings. Now, with the final touches of the backbone network infrastructure expansion, University of Kabianga can now have a variety of access points across their Campus and decentralize their facilities.

“It has been a challenge before we had established the different points of access because network access was limited. At least now the project will make it easier for students and staff due to the various access points put in place across the Campus”, says Mr. Partrick Chirchir, the lead technician of the project.

Launched in November 2017, the project has now networked two major blocks and integrated them to the existing network infrastructure using fiber. The now connected Lecture Theatre Blocks (LBT) buildings, LBT2 and LBT3 now have structured cabling, wireless network, power and cooling systems at each of the server rooms of the two blocks. Each building has four stories and houses classes, labs, offices, library, among other facilities.

“The 2 buildings will have computer labs. LBT2 will be equipped with 84 computers while LBT3 will have 36 computers,” Mr. Chirchir says.  “In addition, LBT2 will host the library which is connected and the OPAC system is already in place,” he adds.

This connection will allow the efficient delivery of services and applications over the network, facilitating teaching, research and collaboration. Considering that the University has another Campus in Kapkatet, the VPN connection to the main campus in Kericho will enhance collaboration between the two Campuses.

University of Kabianga campus network has undergone expansion mainly due to the growth in student and staff population, and physical infrastructure. With a student population of over 8,000, the University is connected by KENET high-speed bandwidth. The dedicated Internet connection has enabled the Institution to be among the top Institutions using KENET Community Cloud-based Laboratory facilities for teaching and learning.  With the network expansion project almost done, it does not stop there.

“We have many ongoing projects across our Campuses, and this project will hasten the ongoing projects since the measures are already in place,” Mr. Chirchir remarks.