Listen and map needs
We work with schools, health facilities, community groups and businesses to understand demand, terrain, power and service gaps.
Locally rooted. Community governed. Built for public benefit.
Athi Community Network is a registered community-based organisation using shared digital infrastructure to make connectivity more affordable, inclusive and useful across rural Meru.
Who we are
A community response to the rural digital divide.
AthiCN was formed after residents, schools and small businesses experienced high data costs, unreliable service and limited provider choice. Dispersed settlements and difficult terrain made many communities commercially unattractive to conventional operators.
Our response is practical and locally led: deploy shared infrastructure, connect public-interest institutions, build a local technical workforce and use affordable community internet services to support ongoing operations.
Our guiding purpose is simple: Connect Everyone.
How we operate
A human-centred model from listening to long-term support.
We begin with community priorities, design around local realities and remain present after installation.
Co-design the connection
We select practical technologies, host sites and service models suited to the location rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all design.
Build local capability
Community technicians take part in deployment, maintenance, customer support and troubleshooting.
Measure and adapt
We learn from network performance, user experience and community outcomes, then improve the design over time.
Legal and organisational structure
Registered to serve communities and build sustainability.
Athi Community Network is registered in Kenya as a Community-Based Organisation. It also holds a Communications Authority community network licence for its connectivity activities. A separately registered private limited company supports future commercial and sustainability pathways while the community organisation remains focused on public benefit.
Our principles
Access with dignity and agency.
- Affordable and meaningful connectivity
- Community participation and accountability
- Local ownership of skills and infrastructure
- Inclusive opportunities for women and young people
- Locally relevant language and content
- Transparent partnerships focused on long-term impact