18 June 2025
In the vibrant heart of Nairobi, Kenya, a transformative initiative called Washa Wi-Fi emerged, driven by Syokinet. With a mission to enhance digital accessibility, this community-centric project sought to provide high-speed Wi-Fi in public spaces. By doing so, Syokinet aimed to empower communities and foster economic growth in bustling areas such as bus stations and marketplaces, where connectivity was crucial for everyday activities and business transactions.
Facing the connectivity challenge
As Syokinet embarked on this ambitious venture, they quickly realized the challenges that lay ahead. To augment their existing fibre network, the company sought to install a high-speed Wi-Fi service across Nairobi’s high-traffic zones. They aimed to offer affordable internet packages to a wider audience, yet the infrastructure deployment proved to be an uphill battle. One of the most significant hurdles was the lack of accessible AC power at the public utility poles designated for installation. Prior attempts to create an internal solar power solution with various components became costly and unsustainable, threatening the project’s viability.
Recognizing the need for a more effective strategy, Syokinet formed a partnership with Optace Networks, the Kenyan distributor of Fuzion Power Technologies’ FTP-300. Together, they implemented a cutting-edge solution tailored to the unique challenges of Nairobi’s urban landscape. The FTP-300 device represented a breakthrough in solar technology: a smart, rugged, and easily deployable product that seamlessly combined reliable solar power with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities.
In addition to the FTP-300, Optace Networks collaborated with Syokinet to design a complete hotspot solution using Cambium Networks’ cnPilot e510 Wi-Fi access points. These access points were expertly integrated with the FTP-300, enabling both power and data connectivity. Enabled by solar energy, this setup empowered swift and efficient deployment of Wi-Fi networks with fibre backhaul wherever sunlight was available. The streamlined installation process required minimal planning, allowing Syokinet to quickly affix the equipment to poles and activate services.
Central to the success of this initiative was the Cambium ONE Network, a comprehensive platform that streamlined network management across diverse environments. Bringing together an array of technologies from the edge to the cloud, this robust framework integrated Wi-Fi, switching, network security, SD-WAN, and outdoor fixed wireless infrastructure. Managed through the cnMaestro™ system, Cambium ONE Network provided a single pane of glass for intelligent automation, application visibility, and control. Its automation features were designed to speed up deployment and enhance operational efficiency, addressing the IT resource and skill shortages faced by many enterprises. Proactive problem detection and resolution minimized downtime, alleviating the troubleshooting burden on IT personnel and ensuring optimal network performance.
Transformative results
The integration of the FTP-300 and Cambium Networks’ access points yielded remarkable improvements. One of the most significant benefits was cost efficiency; the solar power solution drastically reduced reliance on AC power, which not only lowered deployment costs but also increased scalability. The effort also facilitated quick deployment: the plug-and-play functionality of the FTP-300 and its seamless integration with Cambium’s access points allowed for rapid setup with minimal planning. As a result, high-density access points provided robust and extensive Wi-Fi coverage in high-footfall areas, dramatically elevating user experiences and internet accessibility.
The collaboration with Fuzion and Cambium Networks created substantial benefits, both for Syokinet and the communities they served. Simplified management through the Cambium ONE Network afforded Syokinet the ability to focus on customer service rather than technical issues, enhancing operational efficiency. This newfound connectivity in public spaces not only fostered economic growth but also championed digital inclusion and empowerment for local residents. Additionally, the three-year warranty on FTP-300 products reassured Syokinet, allowing them to invest confidently in long-term infrastructure projects that would shape the digital future of Nairobi.
“We are thrilled to partner with Fuzion and Cambium Networks in deploying cutting-edge, sustainable Wi-Fi solutions across Nairobi and Mombasa. This initiative is not just about connectivity; it’s about empowering communities and driving economic growth through,” says Ian Kasyoki, CEO of Syokinet.
