Grace Ashiru
Kenya’s State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy met with Amazon LEO representatives to discuss satellite broadband connectivity, according to official statements.
Meeting Details
John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary for the State Department, met with Amazon representatives on February 23, 2026. The Amazon delegation was led by Farouk Shamas Jiwa, Senior Manager for International Public Policy, Global Affairs & Legal at Amazon.
The discussions focused on how low Earth orbit satellite technology could support broadband delivery to unserved and underserved communities, according to Tanui’s statement.
The meeting occurred as Kenya implements its Digital Transformation Agenda, which includes expanding digital infrastructure and increasing internet penetration.
Tanui stated that satellite broadband partnerships could support digital government services, remote learning, and healthcare delivery.
Amazon LEO, formerly Project Kuiper, is Amazon’s satellite internet constellation. According to company information, the project aims to deploy 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit.
As of February 2026, Amazon had launched 212 satellites, according to company statements. The FCC authorized Amazon to deploy the constellation in 2020, with a deadline to launch half by July 30, 2026.
Amazon secured a landing permit in Nigeria in January 2026, allowing deployment of satellite services for seven years from February 28, 2026 to February 26, 2033, according to Nigerian Communications Commission documentation.
The company announced plans to begin commercial service in 2026 pending sufficient satellite deployment.
Amazon LEO previously announced partnerships with Vanu in South Africa for rural connectivity and with Vodafone for connectivity expansion across Africa and Europe, according to company information.
