Deploying Mobile Base Stations to Aid Humanitarian Efforts

Kenya's Safaricom has deployed a mobile Base Transceiver Site (BTS) to the Marsabit district to support efforts to restore peace and provide relief supplies in the area. The mobile Safaricom BTS unit commonly known as a 'COW' (cell on wheels) was flagged off from Safaricom house this evening for the 560Km journey to Marsabit town.

Speaking during the flag off ceremony, Safaricom CEO Mr. Michael Joseph said the firm had mobilized the mobile unit to facilitate humanitarian and peace building efforts following the recent Marsabit killings.

"Safaricom is mobilising this mobile BTS mast to offer logistical support for relief and security operations that are being coordinated from Marsabit town," Joseph said.

And added: "technically, this unit will help different organizations such as provincial administration, security and relief organizations working in Marsabit by allowing them to effectively communicate from their Marsabit base on the Safaricom network."

He added that Safaricom had just about two years ago invested in the mobile cell site valued at over Kshs 30 million to facilitate communication during such emergency situations in remote locations where there is no network coverage. The technologically advanced BTS features an easy to deploy satellite dish, mast and diesel generator mounted on a truck-towed flatbed.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the unit is expected to be live on the Safaricom network by last weekend, effectively connecting the remote town to the rest of the world.

On 12 July 2005, following conflict between the Borana and Gabra communities, over 70 people were killed and 3,000 were displaced in Torbi Centre, Maikona. Location, approximately 125 kilometers from Marsabit town. A subsequent cycle of revenge and retaliation action occurred between the two communities, raising the death toll to 90.The total number of displaced people has now increased to 6,200, and a considerable amount of property has been destroyed.

As of 16 July, and according to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), the situation is still volatile and tense, with the possibility of an escalation of the conflict."

Posted to the site on 1st August 2005