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Kenya Data Networks (KDN), is Kenya's largest private data carrier and infrastructure provider. KDN operates a combination of microwave radio and fiber optical links, over which it provides layer 2 carrier services (Ethernet, Frame Relay) to corporate customers. Furthermore, KDN houses and maintains a number of international internet gateways, which it sells to corporate customers such as ISPs.

Business areas

Kenya Data Networks is a private data communications carrier in Kenya. As of 2006 it is the country's largest private data carrier and operates on a similar scale as the state-run Telkom Kenya. KDN started business when it was licensed as a Public Data Network Operator by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) in 2003. The company's headquarters are located on Mombasa Road, Nairobi.

The CCK has also licensed KDN as a local loop operator, and to provide fixed line services. KDN also owns an International Gateway License, under which it sells internet connectivity to local ISPs.

KDN was previously co-owned by the Sameer Investment Group - which owns a number of Kenyan and other African companies - and private shareholder Kai Wulff. On 1 March 2008, however, South African ICT company Altech acquired a 51% stake in KDN, and Kai Wulff was appointed as CEO. KDN's motto is "Keep the data flowing".

Infrastructure

Microwave radio

KDN started off by providing infrastructure via microwave radio in a hub-and-spoke fashion. Currently, it operates a number of base stations in Nairobi, Mombasa and upcountry (Embu, Meru, Kisumu, Diani, Malindi, etc.), which are connected via directed radio backhauls. This technology will eventually be superseded by more advanced fibre-optical infrastructure.

Fiber Optic Network

KDN has deployed the largest fiber optic network in the region so far. With over 1000 Kilometers of Metropolitan fiber optic cable in Nairobi, 150 in Kisumu and Mombasa and 75 in Nakuru, Eldoret and Thika, KDN has the key towns in Kenya covered. The main backbone across the country, from Mombasa (through Voi, Nairobi, Nakuru and Eldoret) to Malaba (Kenya-Uganda border) was completed in 2006 and now KDN is embarking on creating redundant links. These will form figure "eights" on the main back bone. The first phase links Malaba to Nakuru through Busia, Kisumu, Kisii, Kericho and Njoro. Then the link from Nakuru to Nairobi is backed up by link through Nyahururu, Nyeri, Thika to Nairobi. The Nairobi to Mombasa leg is backed up by the link through Thika, Garissa, Garsen, Malindi to Mombasa.

The fiber optic cable also goes round Mt. Kenya to cover the towns of Nanyuki, Meru and Embu. The fiber cable is now the main backhaul for the 70 odd WiMAX basestations in different parts of the country. In 31 May 2012,KDN laid off 52 employees after its major client Safaricom terminated their 500 million yearly contract due to poor service and cancellation of dark fiber service by KDN

Current Management

Current KDN Chief Executive officer is Shahab Meshki from Germany who moved to KDN from Cisco Kenya LTD in 2011. Chief Commercial officer is Atul Chaturvedi from India, Chief Technical Officer is Vara Prasad from India and Chief Financial officer being Roger Warren from South Africa. Altech Limited of South Africa, which owned 60.8 per cent of KDN sold its stake in the company along with its entire East African operations to Liquid Telecom in exchange for an 8.6 per cent equity stake in Liquid and shareholder voting rights of 10 per cent.

External links

Category:

Telecommunications companies of Kenya