Ben Roberts has announced his departure from Liquid Intelligent Technologies after an impactful 22-year tenure. His exit marks the end of an era for Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a company that has seen immense transformation under his leadership.
Ben Roberts joined Liquid Telcom in September 2002 as the Voice Network Architect, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Ericsson UK Limited and Lotus Cars. Over the next two decades, he would rise through the ranks, holding several pivotal roles that would shape the company’s trajectory.
His early years at Liquid saw him serve as CTO for Wholesale Voice, Satellite, and Data, where he was instrumental in guiding the company’s transition from satellite to fibre networks. This move was critical in establishing Liquid as a leader in providing faster, more reliable internet and cloud services, not just in urban centers but also in some of the most remote areas across Africa.
By 2013, Ben’s influence had expanded significantly, leading to his appointment as Acting Managing Director of Liquid Telecom Kenya following the company’s acquisition of five regional companies. This role positioned him at the forefront of Liquid’s East African operations, where he played a key role in integrating the newly acquired entities and driving regional growth.
From 2012 to 2017, Ben served as Group Director of Network Strategy, a role that saw him engage with global technology communities and industry forums such as the Africa Peering Forum, ISOC, IETF, and ITU. His efforts in these areas helped to elevate Liquid’s profile on the international stage, further cementing its position as a leading technology company in Africa.
In 2017, Ben was appointed Group Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (GCTIO), a role in which he oversaw the company’s technological and innovation strategies. Under his stewardship, Liquid expanded its technology base, significantly growing its fibre network across the continent. His leadership was pivotal in accelerating digital transformation and improving connectivity across African markets, making Liquid Intelligent Technologies a household name in the region’s ICT landscape.
One of Ben’s most significant achievements was the development and expansion of Liquid’s pan-African fibre network. This network, described as “perhaps the greatest in Africa,” has had a transformative impact on the region, providing the backbone for various digital services and enabling faster, more reliable internet access for millions of people.
Beyond his technical contributions, Ben has also been a vocal advocate for favorable ICT policies in Africa. He has been actively involved in lobbying efforts to create a conducive environment for the ICT sector to thrive. His opposition to regulations that could potentially stifle innovation, such as the contentious Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) Bill in Kenya, highlights his commitment to fostering a progressive and forward-looking ICT industry.
In his farewell message, Ben expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues, both old and new, who have been part of his journey at Liquid. He gave special recognition to Nic Rudnick, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, who has been his boss and leader for most of his tenure, and Kevin Kinnear, whom he credited as the “godfather” of the pan-African fibre network.
Ben Roberts’ influence extends beyond his work at Liquid Intelligent Technologies. He has been an active participant in the broader ICT community in Kenya and across Africa. As the Chair of the ICT Sector Board at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), he has played a key role in engaging with government bodies to ensure a favorable business environment for the ICT sector.
His involvement in various industry associations and lobby groups has further solidified his position as a thought leader in the sector. Ben has been at the forefront of discussions on how best to leverage technology for development, advocating for policies and practices that support innovation and digital transformation.
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