[DDN] KENYA: COMMUNITY ACTION TOWARDS BRIDING THE GAP

[Luice Mutung'u]

I am from Kenya. I read an article and looked at a project which I think is
a great experience towards brdging the digital divide in Kenya. It involves
communities coming together and contributing towards generating electricity.
Initially each family has to contribute about $ 145 for the project. That is
of course a big amount considering that these are rural communities which
live on about $ 1 a day and where the average income is $1 a day for a
casual labourer. However, the families save over a long period and once the
project is completed, they pay just $ 3 per month- a very low price as
compared to other Kenyans whose electricity is supplied by the National
Parastatal, KPLC!

This is a very worthwhile project that could hasten access to communication
equipment as most of them depend on electricity. Training in rural schools
and polytechnics could be revolutionised!

The full story is available at
http://bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1241&Itemid=4352