AccessKenya eyes deals in the construction sector

By Fredrick Obura

Internet service provider AccessKenya Group has launched a fibre to the Premise Solution targeted at property developers and Investors in the building and construction industry.

The Fibre to the Premise (FTTP) Solution, dubbed “Intelligent Properties” is aimed at supporting Building Management Systems (BMS) to enhance efficiency in the management of essential services in both residential and commercial buildings. AccessKenya Group Chief Executive officer Jonathan Somen said the company is keen on exploiting the potential of technology aided development such as BMS, even as it diversifies its product portfolio.

“We believe that potential of FTTP in the building and construction industry is enormous, drawing from the fast-changing needs and the subsequent developments in our respective living and working environments, “said Somen.

Somen noted that AccessKenya Group was committed to bringing industry players to create a platform for technology in resource management.

He said the company has invested heavily in building a robust, future - proof fibre network which, if well utilised, could provide limitless technological opportunities.

“We have over 300km of fibre in Nairobi and Mombasa complemented by a robust wireless network in all major towns in Kenya. Our entire network is Internet Protocol-based and this means that it can accommodate a wide range of technology applications,” he said.

BMS encompass a variety of technologies across commercial, industrial, institutional and domestic buildings, including energy management systems and building controls.  BMS will control, monitor and optimise building services like lighting, heating, security, CCTV and alarm systems. It will also enable access control, audio-visual and entertainment systems.

Somen says the concept will add value to the building and construction industry in Kenya and further enhance technology integration to complement the country’s effort in achieving Vision 2030 goals.

AccessKenya Group Retail Manager Ms Diana Mulili observed that the company will be working with various turnkey solutions providers such as TKM Maestro, which has been keen on providing integrated solutions for planning, design and construction in the country for the past 10 years in deploying the solution.

“TKM Maestro have demonstrated the zeal in deploying this solution in Kenya and they have good experience,” said Ms. Mulili.

The Internet service provider recently issued 10 million bonus shares to shareholders after gaining approval from the Capital Markets Authority.

The approval will enable the company to issue and list an additional 10,382,785 ordinary shares at Sh1 each in the ratio of one new ordinary share for every 20 ordinary shares held.

Somen announced that the group intends to spend between Sh250 million and Sh300 million on capital expenditure, with a significant portion of that going to their metropolitan fibre networks and network expansion.

This year, they have already added about 40 to 50 kilometres of fibre and about 50 to 60 buildings which are using Access Kenya internet connection.