The World Bank has released US$512m for the construction of the Kenya-South Sudan road and also for the laying of the fibre optic cable which will eventually enhance trade between the two countries.
South Sudan’s ICT minister Rebecca Joshua Okwaci and her Kenyan counterpart Fred Matiang’i signed a memorandum of understanding in January this year, paving way for commissioning of the project.
“The entire Kenya-South Sudan road construction project and the laying of the optic fibre cable is set for completion in two years’ time, we have implemented the road and information superhighway that form the most effective way of accelerating development,” said Robert Mugo, Director, Shared Services at the ICT Authority.
The fibre optic cable which will be situated along the Lokichar – Nedapal road as the road is constructed will serve as a good development and will be part of the Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project.
The ICT Authority is implementing the Kenyan-side of the fibre optic project through a World Bank fund estimated at Sh2.6 billion while the South Sudan section will cost Sh1.5 billion.
The mega project is also anticipated to create ease for communication and transportation of Kenya’s products commonly traded with South Sudan. Some of the products include; pharmaceutical products, food, edible oils and other manufactured products.
Kenya’s exports to South Sudan make 25 per cent of South Sudan’s total imports.
