Masalani: Masalani town in Ijara Sub-County has received its first Internet connectivity following rising demand from residents. DAROT INTERNET, a local Internet service provider, has launched operations in the area, marking a significant step in bridging the digital divide in this part of Garissa County. The company has opened an office in Masalani town to serve residents seeking Internet services. Led by Coordinator Mr. Osman Darot and Mr. Mahbub Mohamed Gab, DAROT INTERNET has been actively connecting homes and businesses using a mobile van for quick installations.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mr. Gab stated that the initial installation fee is Sh 6,000 with a monthly subscription of Sh 2,000. He mentioned that their target is to connect 6,000 households and businesses in Masalani alone, with technical teams already on the ground. A survey by KNA shows widespread connectivity across major estates in Masalani town, including Terabora, Gumarey, Muhumed Dahir, Bulla Gadud, and the town centre. Previously, residents relied on mobile data services from Safaricom and Airtel, which were often unreliable and costly.
Mr. Gab highlighted that DAROT INTERNET aims to expand its services to other areas such as Ijara (42 km away), Sangailu, and Hulugho, remote towns along the Kenya-Somalia border, to ensure the entire constituency is digitally connected. Community leaders praised the initiative. Mr. Abdullahi Abdi, Chairman of the Masalani Watchdog; former Ijara County Council Chairman Mr. Mohamed Gure; and youth leader Mr. Salah Yarrow said the launch marks the beginning of Ijara's journey into the digital economy. They appealed to the national government, led by President William Ruto, to extend fiber-optic infrastructure to Ijara, just as it has in neighboring Tana River County.
They noted that improved connectivity is already bearing fruit with cybercaf©s opening, offering job opportunities and economic empowerment for the youth. The elders also called on the government to establish Huduma Centres, Kenya Commercial Bank branches, and Kenya Power substations in the area to enhance service delivery. Mr. Gure lamented having to travel 96 km round trip to access basic government and banking services. He and other residents commended DAROT INTERNET for bringing meaningful change to their community. Leaders urged the public to use the new connectivity constructively and avoid political misinformation or divisive content.