Beyond Access: An empirical exploration of how Kenyan Community Networks bring meaningful internet access
Authors
Tilcock, Kira Elise Apted ; Pubill Unzeta, Ainoa
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2023
Submitted on
2023-06-01
Pages
57
Abstract
Kenya is experiencing rapid digital change. The government is working to strengthen the country’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure to gain social and economic benefits. Yet many people—especially in remote, marginalized, and underserved areas—still lack affordable internet access. Community Networks (CNs) aim to close this digital divide by offering low-cost connectivity and building digital literacy, so people can participate online in meaningful and fair ways. This study examines how seven CNs operate in flexible, local, and collaborative ways. The analysis draws on De Leat and Mols’ framework of multiplicity, which views technologies as fluid and adaptable, and on Donna Harwaway’s idea of ‘situated knowledge’, which understands knowledge as rooted in local experiences and contexts. Findings show that CNs do more than provide connectivity. They take on fluid roles, adapt to local needs, challenge dominant technology narratives, navigate social challenges, and empower communities. They do this through hyper-local, community-generated content, cultural preservation, and local knowledge production. CNs are grounded in place: they address specific needs, foster community-driven solutions, and collaborate with other CNs to share resources and knowledge, offer mutual support, and promote well-being. The research offers empirical insights to wider socio-technical debates by showing how CNs work as a fluid, context-sensitive, and inclusive technological solution.
Kenya gennemgår en hurtig digital omstilling. Regeringen arbejder på at styrke landets digitale infrastruktur (ICT) for at opnå sociale og økonomiske gevinster. Alligevel mangler mange kenyanere—særligt i fjerntliggende, marginaliserede og underbetjente områder—stadig adgang til billig internet. Community Networks (CNs) har til formål at mindske denne digitale kløft ved at tilbyde overkommelig internetadgang og styrke digitale kompetencer, så flere kan deltage meningsfuldt og retfærdigt online. Dette studie undersøger, hvordan syv CNs arbejder på fleksible, lokale og samarbejdende måder. Analysen bygger på De Leat og Mols’ teori om multiplicitet, som ser teknologi som foranderlig og tilpasningsdygtig, samt på Donna Harwaway’s idé om ‘situated knowledge’, hvor viden forstås som forankret i lokale erfaringer og sammenhænge. Studiet viser, at CNs rækker ud over blot at levere internet. De antager flydende roller, tilpasser sig lokale behov, udfordrer dominerende fortællinger om teknologi, håndterer sociale udfordringer og styrker lokalsamfund. Det sker blandt andet gennem hyperlokalt indhold skabt af borgere, kulturbevarelse og lokal vidensproduktion. CNs er forankret i stedet: de adresserer specifikke behov, fremmer løsninger drevet af lokalsamfundet og samarbejder med andre CNs for at dele ressourcer og viden, yde gensidig støtte og fremme trivsel. Dermed bidrager forskningen med empiriske indsigter til bredere socio-tekniske diskussioner ved at vise, hvordan CNs fungerer som en flydende, kontekstnær og inkluderende teknologisk løsning.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
Keywords