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Kenyan internet service provider Poa Internet has secured $4 million in debt funding from Finland’s Finnfund to expand broadband access in underserved communities. The investment will strengthen Poa’s network infrastructure and extend affordable connectivity to areas where internet access remains limited or prohibitively expensive.
Founded in 2015 and launching operations in 2017, Poa Internet has built its model around low-cost, street-level WiFi to serve households, small businesses, and remote communities often overlooked by larger providers. As of mid-2025, the company had more than 238,000 customers and a 14% share of the Kenyan market, making it the country’s fourth-largest ISP.
A key part of the expansion involves a partnership with Nokia, which will supply fibre technology to enhance service speed and reliability. CEO Andy Halsall said the collaboration reflects Poa’s vision to bring affordable, high-quality internet to every African home. “Reliable internet is essential for education, healthcare, business, and government services. This funding allows us to reach many more communities that have been left behind,” he noted.
The deal was formalised following Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s visit to Poa in May 2025, underscoring growing Kenya–Finland cooperation in digital development. Finnfund’s investment is also supported by the European Union and the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) through the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to bridge Africa’s digital divide.
Kelvin Kiiru of Finnfund highlighted the wider economic impact of accessible internet: “Affordable connectivity drives growth and enables remote work, online education, telemedicine, and digital financial services—tools that are more important now than ever.”
Despite internet penetration in Kenya surpassing 40%, high-speed broadband remains concentrated in urban centres, leaving rural communities underserved. Poa currently operates in Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, and Ngong, with growing coverage in neighbourhoods such as Donholm, Umoja, Jogoo Road, Rongai, and Ngong.
With the new funding and technology partnership, Poa Internet plans to accelerate its rollout, expanding affordable and reliable internet to more households and businesses. The initiative aims to narrow Kenya’s digital divide and unlock new opportunities for families, students, and entrepreneurs across the country.
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