The Juba-Nairobi Fiber Optic Link is a critical regional ICT infrastructure project under PIDA PAP 2. The Kenyan segment (approximately 700 km, part of NOFBI) is operational. The South Sudan segment faced prolonged delays due to security, institutional capacity, and financing constraints. Key bilateral milestones include: (1) August 2023 MoU signed by Presidents Ruto and Kiir at State House Nairobi; (2) February 2024 MoU signed by transport ministers of Kenya and South Sudan to separate border disputes from connectivity and advance the project; (3) June 2025 bilateral cooperation agreement signed at the 30th EACO Annual Assembly in Juba for a 2,420 km NBIBI extension of Kenya's NOFBI into South Sudan, backed by the World Bank IDA; (4) August 7, 2025 announcement by Mabe Emmanuel, Secretary General of South Sudan's Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF), that construction would begin in early 2026 following completion of feasibility studies and environmental assessments, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned; (5) October 2025 public confirmation by Telecommunications Under-Secretary Engineer Thomas Gatkuoth of the 2,400 km fiber optic network at a Lusaka digital governance panel. As of late 2025, the project remains in the pre-construction/project structuring phase, with feasibility studies and technical team recruitment underway. South Sudan's National Communications Authority has also established a supervisory committee for gateway services governance. The project has not yet reached financial close or construction commencement as of the latest verified reporting date (October 2025).
The Juba-Nairobi Fiber Optic Link (PIDA Code I.02.30.06) is a 957 km high-capacity terrestrial fiber optic cable project connecting Eldoret, Kenya, to Juba, South Sudan, via the Nadapal border town. The Kenyan segment (approximately 700 km), which forms part of Kenya's National Optic Fibre Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI), is complete and operational. The South Sudan segment (approximately 257 km) represents the critical missing link. The project is a key component of the PIDA Priority Action Plan (PAP) 2 (2021-2030) under the ICT sector. It aims to provide South Sudan with its first direct, high-speed international internet gateway, reducing latency and costs by eliminating dependency on expensive satellite and microwave links. The project scope includes construction of the fiber cable, associated ducting, manholes, and repeater stations. In August 2023, Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Salva Kiir of South Sudan signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the fiber optic cable along the Eldoret-Juba road. In February 2024, Kenya's Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and South Sudan's counterpart Simon Mijok Mijak signed a further MoU separating border issues from connectivity to advance the project. In June 2025, at the 30th East African Communications Organization (EACO) Annual Assembly held in Juba, Kenya and South Sudan signed a bilateral cooperation agreement for a 2,420 km National Broadband Internet Backbone Initiative (NBIBI), extending Kenya's NOFBI into South Sudan, with support from the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA). In August 2025, South Sudan's Ministry of ICT and Postal Services (MOICT&PS) announced that construction would begin in early 2026, with technical teams being recruited to conduct feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments prior to a groundbreaking ceremony. In October 2025, South Sudan's Telecommunications Under-Secretary Engineer Thomas Gatkuoth publicly confirmed the 2,400 km fiber optic cable project at a digital governance panel in Lusaka, Zambia.
Construction of a high capacity Optic Fibre Cable (OFC) from Eldoret (Kenya) to Juba (South Sudan) through the Nadapal border town. Laying of the new Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Program (EARTTDFP) FON (main cable). This cable is the main backbone link for internet connectivity to the Kenyan north-western region and to the wider South Sudan.
1. Provide South Sudan with its first direct, high-capacity fiber optic connection to global submarine cable landing stations in Kenya, thereby establishing a national and international broadband backbone under the National Broadband Internet Backbone Initiative (NBIBI). 2. Significantly reduce the cost of internet and data services in South Sudan by eliminating dependency on expensive satellite and microwave links, thereby improving affordability and access for households, businesses, schools, hospitals, and government institutions. 3. Enhance regional digital integration and connectivity within the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regions, including through alignment with the East African Communications Organization (EACO) One Network Area initiative. 4. Support the development of e-government, digital financial services, and ICT-enabled sectors in South Sudan to foster economic diversification and reduce oil dependency. 5. Improve the reliability and quality of telecommunication services to attract foreign direct investment and boost private sector development. 6. Boost export-oriented agricultural development and connect the business sector in the region by providing high-speed, high-capacity ICT infrastructure. 7. Strengthen bilateral Kenya-South Sudan connectivity as a strategic investment for future generations, supporting education, healthcare, governance, and trade sectors.
Original PIDA PAP 2 submission - Objective and Rationale
1. Bring Broadband to South Sudan
2. Provide high speed and high capacity ICT Infrastructure Network
3. Reduce high cost ICT Services