Bayobab launches cross-border fibre connectivity route

Bayobab, a subsidiary of MTN Group, has marked a key milestone in advancing digital infrastructure across East Africa with the official launch of the Kenya Railway–Uganda Railway NLD Mombasa to Kampala fibre route

This strategic cross-border initiative significantly enhances digital integration between Kenya and Uganda.

The newly commissioned fibre route covers 260 km along the Uganda Railway corridor from Kampala to Tororo, extending to Malaba at the Kenya–Uganda border. It links directly to Kenya’s National Long Distance (NLD) fibre, which was introduced in 2024 and runs along the Kenya Railways Meter Gauge Route from Mombasa to Malaba. The seamless interconnection at Malaba integrates into Bayobab’s subsea cable systems in Mombasa, further reinforcing East Africa’s data transport capabilities and enabling high-capacity, low-latency connectivity from Uganda to global networks.

Strengthening regional digital infrastructure

"Kenya’s position as a regional digital gateway is further cemented by this cross-border collaboration. By interconnecting with Uganda via this high-capacity route, we are enhancing regional digital resilience, creating alternative routes for traffic, and opening new opportunities for businesses and communities along the corridor. This is not just fibre in the ground — it’s a new pathway for digital transformation across East Africa," commented Sylvia Anampiu, managing director: Bayobab Kenya.

Constructed between December 2024 and February 2025, the Kampala-to-Malaba segment is securely deployed along railway infrastructure, ensuring protection from road-based risks such as construction damage and providing stable and uninterrupted network service. This initiative aligns with Bayobab’s broader strategy of enabling secure and seamless cross-border digital connectivity throughout Africa.

Delivering impact through interconnection

As a landlocked country, Uganda gains significant strategic advantage from the route, which provides a shorter and more resilient connection to Mombasa’s subsea cable landing points. The infrastructure supports both rural broadband development and high-bandwidth enterprise services, while linking key data centres across Uganda and Kenya.

Designed to meet the demands of hyperscalers, service providers, and enterprises expanding in East Africa, the route ensures reliable and scalable digital access across the region.

This project underscores Bayobab’s ongoing commitment to building a robust, secure, and interconnected digital ecosystem in Africa. The Mombasa–Malaba–Kampala corridor represents one of several initiatives designed to digitally unite the continent and connect it more effectively to the global digital economy.