By Raymond Wanjohi
The rise of smartphones has revolutionized communication, making mobile phones an essential technology in the 21st century. However, in Burarat village, located in North Horr Constituency, residents face a significant challenge: poor mobile network connectivity.
According to Mama Adho Umuro, a long-time resident, the lack of reliable network service has forced locals to travel long distances just to make phone calls or perform mobile money transactions.
“We trek for over 25 kilometers to Hurri Hills or 35 kilometers to Forole just to make phone calls or send money,” she explained.
Burarat’s over 2,500 residents have no choice but to journey to these distant areas to contact family members, especially in emergencies.
Without access to motorcycles, they often walk long distances across the harsh border desert, near Ethiopia, in search of a signal.
Despite living in the region for nearly 35 years, Ms. Umuro and others feel abandoned by the government, citing the lack of essential services like health facilities, schools, and even proper mobile networks.
When ill, residents must travel over 150 kilometers to Maikona or Kalacha to access medical care.
Ms. Umuro has called on the Kenyan government to intervene by constructing telecommunication masts to improve connectivity in the region.
She warned that the lack of access to communication and healthcare is contributing to maternal and infant mortality rates in the area.
The region’s isolation has also hindered health-seeking behaviors, with many residents still relying on non-conventional medicine due to limited access to modern healthcare.
Elema Duba, a young man from Burarat, expressed his frustration over the social and economic challenges faced by the more than 500 households in the area.
“It’s hard to believe that in the 21st century, there are still Kenyan citizens living under conditions that resemble those of early humans,” he said.
Duba cited the lengthy treks to make basic transactions, such as depositing or withdrawing money via MPesa, as an example of the hardships faced by the community.
He also raised concerns about the government’s commitment to improving mobile network and internet access in remote areas.
Despite promises from the Kenya Kwanza administration to bridge the digital divide, Duba noted that the region still lacks essential services like mobile connectivity, which is critical for economic development, education, and healthcare.
The absence of mobile and internet connectivity has exacerbated inequalities in health and education, further entrenching poverty in the area.
Rural communities like Burarat, where residents live far from essential services, are particularly affected by these challenges.
Maikona Sub-County Education Director Adhe emphasized the importance of mobile and internet connectivity in improving educational outcomes.
“Connectivity goes beyond the classroom; it provides opportunities for students to build digital skills and access knowledge outside traditional educational settings,” he said.
Adhe believes that broadband access would play a key role in accelerating economic development in the region.
North Horr MP Wario Guyo Adhe also expressed concerns about the ongoing connectivity issues.
He called on the Communications Authority of Kenya to address the broadband-related inequalities in the region.
“North Horr, being the largest constituency, faces many socioeconomic challenges due to decades of marginalization. We urge the current government to allocate more development funds to address these issues,” said MP Guyo.
John Kariuki