GTC has joined forces with Nairobi-based organisation Kicoshep to adapt and transfer the knowledge of community-run broadband projects built up in the UK to the slums of Africa.

One of the key reasons the slums develop is because the rate of urbanisation far exceeds the ability of city authorities to build basic infrastructures; they then become entrenched as the local economy increasingly falls behind that of the neighbouring city. While the lack of reliable telecommunications might not be as life threatening as the absence of sanitation, nonetheless it hampers efforts to improve the lives and health of people living there. Community-based broadband can help to deliver affordable infrastructure quickly, and with all the economic benefit remaining where its needed.

A key part of the project is to build a pilot network in Kibera, the largest slum in Africa, to support the pioneering work of the local schools and NGO's. While we have the support of some major international organisations, funding tends to be evidence based. To kick-start the project therefore, CBN is asking for donations of wireless equipment and tools to help get the project moving quickly. If you can help in any way, please contact GTC.

Update 

7 August - Thanks to generous offers from Steve Spillane (Village Internet & Broadband) and Adrian Powell we have almost enough technology to build the pilot project in Kibera.

Work begins in Kenya on 25 August.