Nairobi, Kenya – October 30, 2024

In a groundbreaking initiative to advance Kenya's telecommunications education and policy landscape, Strathmore University launched the Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) E-Learning Programme at the Transcentury Auditorium on October 30. The event brought together key stakeholders from government, regulatory bodies, telecommunication providers, educational institutions, and other sectors dedicated to enhancing connectivity and digital inclusion across Kenya.

The DSA E-Learning Programme, a collaborative effort by the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA), Strathmore University, and the UK's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), aims to equip professionals with in-depth knowledge of spectrum sharing and dynamic access methodologies essential for modern telecommunications management. The programme comes at a crucial time, as Kenya positions itself to address the rising demand for broadband and spectrum resources, particularly in underserved areas.

Event Highlights

The event commenced with welcome remarks by Leonard Mabele, a researcher with Strathmore University and AFRALTI (African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute), followed by opening comments from Dr. Julius Butime, Dean of the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences at Strathmore.

Throughout the morning, attendees engaged in discussions on Kenya's digital skills landscape, led by Charles Juma, Country Lead for the Digital Access Programme (DAP), who highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering local communities and expanding digital literacy. This was followed by an address on national radio frequency spectrum strategies by Director Haji on behalf of David Mugonyi, Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya, who outlined the regulatory authority's vision for spectrum allocation and management in line with Kenya's long-term connectivity goals.

Aegir Consult's AMSS Report Presentation

A significant moment of the event was Aegir Consult Ltd's presentation on the 8 month long Automated Mid-Band Spectrum Sharing (AMSS) study. Our partners and primary partner, African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI) in collaboration with our key sponsor Dynamic Spectrum Allaince (DSA) shared key insights from the study, which investigates spectrum utilization for non-public networks in Kenya. Commissioned as part of the country's broader efforts to optimize spectrum resources, the AMSS study emphasizes the potential of spectrum sharing to alleviate congestion and improve network accessibility across various sectors.

The AMSS report provides critical recommendations on the regulatory and technological frameworks needed to enhance spectrum efficiency, enabling both private and public sector entities to better support Kenya's growing digital ecosystem.

Launch of Additional Connectivity Studies

In tandem with the launch of the DSA programme, several comprehensive reports were released, offering valuable insights into Kenya's connectivity infrastructure and market dynamics. The following studies were presented:

Assessment of the Wholesale Broadband Access and Fixed Retail Broadband Markets – A deep dive into Kenya's broadband landscape, examining market opportunities and challenges for enhancing broadband accessibility.
Licensing and Legal Requirements for Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) – A policy-focused report detailing regulatory requirements for WISPs and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to establish and operate public Wi-Fi networks.
Opportunities in Spectrum Sharing for Non-Public Networks – An analysis that addresses the potential for spectrum sharing to meet demand in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and rural connectivity, where non-public networks can play a transformative role.

These reports were officially presented by Dr. Martha Suarez, President of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, to Communication Authority of Kenya's Director Haji and Dr. Julius Butime, reinforcing Strathmore University's and DSA's commitment to evidence-based policy-making and strategic growth in Kenya's digital sector.

Future Prospects for Kenya's Connectivity Ecosystem

The event closed with remarks from Dr. Vitalis Ozianyi, who extended gratitude to attendees and partners. He expressed optimism that the DSA E-Learning Programme, combined with the insights from these newly released reports, will serve as a catalyst for sustained advancements in Kenya's digital infrastructure. "This is more than a programme launch; it's a call to action for all stakeholders to collaborate and build a resilient and inclusive digital future for Kenya," Dr. Ozianyi emphasized.

The DSA E-Learning Programme and the newly published connectivity reports reflect a shared commitment by Strathmore University, the DSA, FCDO, and local stakeholders to empower Kenyan professionals, enabling them to meet the evolving demands of the digital age with skills and strategies informed by global best practices and local insights.

About Aegir Consult

Aegir Consult Ltd. is proud to contribute to Kenya's telecommunications policy and digital ecosystem development through research and consultancy. Our AMSS report and continued partnership with industry and academia underscore our commitment to fostering innovation, accessibility, and efficiency within the telecommunications sector.

For more information, please contact us here.

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