In a milestone for digital inclusion in Kenya, Juhudi Mashinani Community Network (JMCN) has officially become the first community network licensed by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) in Marsabit County. The licence, granted on 17th September 2026, empowers JMCN to deliver affordable, reliable internet connectivity and digital skills training to underserved rural communities in North Horr (NH) constituency, the largest constituency by geography in the world.
Marsabit’s digital divide is well-documented. According to the recent Broadband Access Gap study under the World Bank’s Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP), only 16% of Marsabit’s population accesses the Internet daily (vs. 69% in Nairobi), with 4G coverage at just 79.6%. The region’s low score (16%) on the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU’s) Universal and Meaningful Connectivity (UMC) index—encompassing network availability, device access, affordability, and digital skills—underscores the urgent need for action in the county.
JMCN’s authorisation marks a new chapter in bridging these gaps. The initiative is locally rooted— “Juhudi Mashinani” meaning “Grassroots Effort” in Kiswahili—and is designed as a community-driven response to the persistent digital exclusion affecting NH and the wider Marsabit County. The network will serve as a catalyst for education, healthcare, and economic development in a region challenged by harsh climate, limited infrastructure, and scarce employment opportunities.
A key pillar of this initiative is the establishment of the Desert Stars Digital Innovation Hurb in Turbi Ward, along the Marsabit-Moyale highway, near Tiigo School. This first-of-its-kind facility, developed in partnership with Aenki Association (Construction and Physical Infrastructure Partner) and Wireless Planet (The Technology and Digital Transformation Partner), will anchor digital skills development, foster a local Industry 4.0 innovation ecosystem, and support climate adaptation research and development.
Juhudi Mashinani’s longstanding commitment to sustainable grassroots development in education, health, and livelihoods will be amplified through the new CN licence. The initiative will expand meaningful internet access, empower teachers, healthcare staff, community champions, and students, and build local capacity in partnership with Wireless Planet and other staekeholders.
