Nairobi Internet Disrupted – How Can This Be Resolved?
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/>
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