Communication masts, especially in border regions, have been a prime target for Al Shabaab attacks since Kenya sent forces to Somalia.
They are an attractive target because they are basically expensive pieces of equipment in the middle of nowhere. And also because they cut out communication in case Al shabaab is planning an ambush.
There have been fears that communication masts might be prime targets this election period, because they will play a key role in transmission of results. Al Shabaab would very much love to cause anarchy.
The government is however not taking any chances. Police Spokesman Charles Owino has announced that security forces would be deployed to protect Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom and other communication masts in five frontier counties on August 8. This is in a bid to prevent any possible disruption of network services.
The counties in question are Lamu, Garissa, Tana River, Wajir and Mandera.
IEBC will use local service providers to transmit the election results to Nairobi for tallying, and any disruptions could prove disastrous.
KDF will play a key role in this security operation, estimated to cost Sh1.5 billion.
