Mobile phone operator Zain Kenya has commenced a two-year, 25 billion Kenyan shilling (US$366.3 million) expansion program with an initial investment of 3 billion shillings to upgrade its network.

The upgrade, expected to be implemented in the next three months, will improve the quality of communication in rural and high-traffic areas, said Rene Meza, Zain Kenya managing director.

"Zain customers are enjoying the widest mobile coverage in Kenya, with more than 85 percent of the population covered, and we want to continue offering the best mobile services and strongest network," Meza said.

"Zain will upgrade its IT system and data services," he added. "Data services are a key aspect in the communications sector, and Zain would like to be at the forefront in driving data revolution in Kenya."

The company also plans to re-launch Sokotele, a local electronic money transfer service that has not yet received much publicity. Sokotele will be expanded into an international banking facility, covering up to 15 countries, within the next three months, Meza said.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.