The Communications Authority of Kenya announced that the country is preparing to move from Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) for the Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) in 2023.
The Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules for addressing and routing data so that it can travel across networks and reach the correct destination. On the other hand, the “V” stands for an IP version – in simple terms – the internet version.
IPv4, released in 1983, is still the most popular version of IP used in most countries to this day. However, IPv6 is better considering the fact that it has an address length of 128 bits and is much more complex and efficient than IPv4 which has an address length of 32 bits.
Kenya's Communications Authority says that if the country delays the full adoption of IPv6, serious technological challenges could befall the country's ICT sector, including lack of Internet access and lagging technological advances.
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As much as IPv4 accommodates 4,3 billion IP addresses, it's simply not enough because there are so many devices out there, especially now that adoption of IoT technology is on the rise. Migrating to IPv6 is critical.
Only IPv6 capable devices will be approved for use in Kenya from July 2023.
The Communications Authority of Kenya will conduct a public awareness campaign that will educate consumers on the need to purchase IPv6 capable devices from September 2022. This will be done through all types of media including online platforms, leaflets , radio, television and publicity programs.
The Kenya Communications Authority says it will also organize physical training, where service provider trainees will be led through hands-on training on IPv6 migration and related technologies by experts from the Authority.
