Nairobi Internet Disrupted – How Can This Be Resolved?

amos reacted via Gmail
<www.google.com/gmail/about/?utm_source=gmail-in-product&utm_medium=et&utm_campaign=emojireactionemail#app>

On Wed, Feb 26, 2025, 10:42 AM amos ojiambo <[email protected]>
wrote:

> Kenya Power does not directly own the fiber optic cables, but they are a
> key player in the transmission of electricity and energy services. The
> fiber optic cables are often laid alongside the electricity distribution
> network, and Kenya Power has some role in their maintenance, but the actual
> ownership typically lies with telecommunications companies like Safaricom,
> Telkom Kenya, or other internet service providers.
>
> As for the County Government cutting the cables, it is generally a sign of
> unresolved disputes or grievances. While such actions are harmful and
> illegal, it may stem from issues such as lack of compensation for the use
> of public land, disagreements over permits, or concerns about
> infrastructure impacts. However, as you rightly pointed out, property
> damage and disrupting services to innocent citizens are not constructive
> ways to address such grievances.
>
> The County Government or any aggrieved party should indeed seek legal
> channels to resolve their issues, such as:
>
> 1. Engagement with the responsible authorities: Communicating with the
> telecommunications companies or Kenya Power to negotiate the proper
> processes or compensation.
>
> 2. Filing complaints: If there’s a dispute over compensation or
> right-of-way, the County Government could file complaints with relevant
> regulatory bodies like the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) or the
> Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
>
> 3. Court action: If negotiations fail, legal recourse through the courts
> is always an option.
>
> Cutting cables does more harm than good, and it’s important for all
> parties to work through lawful channels to prevent disruptions that affect
> businesses, residents, and essential services.
>
> On Wed, Feb 26, 2025, 10:33 AM Anne Gathirwa via KICTANet <
> [email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Does Kenya Power own the fiber optic cables? What benefit does the County
>> Government gain by cutting the cables? there are various legal channels
>> that can be utilized inorder to solve their grievances rather than
>> resorting to property damage and inconveniencing innocent citizens.
>>
>> On Wed, Feb 26, 2025 at 7:18 AM David Indeje via KICTANet <
>> [email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>> Dear Listers,
>>>
>>> A critical situation unfolding in Nairobi that’s causing widespread
>>> disruption: the ongoing dispute between Nairobi County and Kenya Power.
>>>
>>> As you may have heard/ read, Nairobi County officials have taken the
>>> drastic step of cutting fiber optic cables from Kenya Power’s utility
>>> poles. This action has resulted in significant internet service disruptions
>>> affecting businesses, schools, and homes across the capital.
>>>
>>> The core of the issue stems from an unpaid electricity bill of
>>> approximately $23.1 million (KES 3 billion) owed by Nairobi County to Kenya
>>> Power. However, the county government argues that Kenya Power owes them an
>>> even larger sum in unpaid land rates, wayleave fees, and parking charges.
>>> This counter-claim has escalated tensions and led to a hostile standoff.
>>>
>>> The Communications Authority (CA) has condemned these actions,
>>> emphasising that ICT infrastructure falls under national government
>>> jurisdiction. As the CA stated, “Fibre optic networks are a cornerstone of
>>> Kenya’s digital economy. Any interference must follow legal and regulatory
>>> frameworks.”
>>>
>>> This situation is clearly unsustainable and is severely impacting the
>>> digital economy and daily lives of Nairobi residents.
>>>
>>> *We are eager to hear your thoughts on how this dispute can be resolved.*
>>>
>>>
>>> —
>>> *Kind Regards,*
>>>
>>> *David Indeje*
>>>
>>> *@**KICTANet* <www.kictanet.or.ke/>
>>> * Communications *_____________________________________
>>> +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856
>>> KICTANet portals
>>> Connect With Us <linktr.ee/Kictanet>
>>> ______________________________________
>>>
>>>

67bec947cceb1.vnd.google.email-reaction+json