Kenya’s Stephen Isaboke to steer Africa’s Position for WRC-27 as its new Chair

By Eunice WAWUDA

Kenya’s Principal Secretary in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke, EBS, has officially assumed the Chairmanship of the African Preparatory Process for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27).

He took over from Kanono Ramashamole, Principal Secretary for ICT of the Kingdom of Lesotho, during the 2nd African Preparatory Meeting (APM27-2) currently underway at Mövenpick Hotel, Nairobi.

Mr. Isaboke will serve as Chair throughout the WRC-27 study cycle, leading Africa’s strategic and technical coordination. His role includes steering discussions, harmonizing regional positions, and advocating for Africa’s interests in the global spectrum and satellite orbit negotiations.

Speaking during the handover, PS Isaboke said: “Today, we advance the progress initiated during APM27-1. We assess our gains, consolidate common positions, and chart a unified way forward—together.”

Key focus areas for APM27-2 include:

Strengthening Africa’s Position for WRC-27: Ensuring the continent is well-prepared to influence decisions that impact global spectrum and satellite orbit allocation, critical resources for broadcasting, telecommunications, and economic development.

Prioritizing the protection and acquisition of high-value spectrum bands and orbital slots—both geostationary and non-geostationary—to expand broadband, support remote services, and drive digital inclusion by exploring the potential of D2D technologies that enable satellites to connect directly to mobile phones.

Nairobi meeting will also reflect on Africa’s performance in WRC-23, identifying lessons learned and refining strategies for the upcoming conference.

Addressing Africa-Specific Spectrum Issues, including efficient spectrum refarming, harmonization of mobile broadband bands, for 5G and future 6G, expansion of satellite broadband and broadcasting services and protection of critical services tied to national security and socio-economic resilience

Lastly, Spectrum is essential for cloud computing, AI, data sharing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). It enables fast, reliable connections that let devices, sensors, and systems send and receive data.

AI needs constant data flow for real-time decisions, IoT connects billions of devices, and cloud computing depends on high-speed links to deliver services smoothly. Without enough well-managed spectrum, these technologies can’t work effectively or grow to meet future demands

APM27-2 is a crucial platform for African nations to deliberate, align, and assert their collective voice in shaping the future of global radiocommunication.