NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 25 – The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has raised concern over disruptions to internet services in Nairobi following the removal of fibre optic cables from Kenya Power poles by Nairobi County authorities.
The dispute follows Kenya Power’s decision to cut electricity at several Nairobi County offices over an outstanding Sh3.1 billion bill. In retaliation, the county government disconnected water supply to all Kenya Power offices in Nairobi and blocked their sewer lines.
In a statement, CA acknowledged complaints from Internet Service Providers (ISPs), businesses, and educational institutions, warning that such actions jeopardise critical digital infrastructure and could negatively impact the economy.
While county governments have the mandate to regulate land use, CA emphasised that ICT infrastructure falls under national oversight, as outlined in the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA), 1998. The regulator cautioned that any interference with telecommunications networks must follow legal and regulatory frameworks.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the disconnections stem from a dispute over wayleave fees and alleged non-compliance by Kenya Power in the use of public infrastructure. However, CA urged restraint, calling on all parties to engage constructively to resolve the issue without causing further disruptions.
On Wednesday morning, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei summoned a meeting at State House, bringing together Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and top Kenya Power officials to find a solution to the escalating crisis. The discussions aimed to ease tensions and prevent further disruptions that could impact businesses, government operations, and essential services relying on stable internet connectivity.
“The Authority is actively engaging Nairobi County, Kenya Power, and affected ISPs to establish the facts and ensure that any enforcement measures are orderly and comply with national policy,” CA said in a statement.
CA also urged county governments and public utilities to consult the regulator before taking actions that could affect licensed telecommunications networks.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s ICT ecosystem and promised further updates as the situation unfolds.
