Nairobi Internet Disrupted – How Can This Be Resolved?

On Thu, Feb 27, 2025, 8:48 AM Grace Githaiga via KICTANet <
[email protected]> wrote:

> Alexander
> Indeje summarized some insights and great ideas from the active engagement
> on this list yesterday. You can read more below.
>
> Nairobi’s infrastructure crisis: A clash between city officials and Kenya
> Power exposed governance failures, digital disruption, and the urgent need
> for legal accountability and systemic reform to protect critical
> infrastructure.
>
> www.kictanet.or.ke/critical-infrastructure-under-siege-nairobis-governance-failure/
>
>
>
>
>
> ———————————————————————————-
>
> *Grace Githaiga*
>
> Twitter: @ggithaiga
>
> Skype: gracegithaiga
>
> Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga
>
>
> .*.**.the most important office in a democracy is the citizen. So, you
> see, that’s what our democracy demands. It needs you!—-Barrack Obama.*
> ——————————
> *From:* ALEXANDER NZIOKA via KICTANet <[email protected]>
> *Sent:* 26 February 2025 11:41 PM
> *To:* Grace Githaiga <[email protected]>
> *Cc:* ALEXANDER NZIOKA <[email protected]>
> *Subject:* [kictanet] Re: Nairobi Internet Disrupted – How Can This Be
> Resolved?
>
>
> Dear Listers,
>
> This situation raises an important question: if the government itself buys
> electricity from Kenya Power and distributes it through token bills,
> shouldn’t there be a more structured way to handle disputes rather than
> actions that disrupt essential services?
>
> While both Nairobi County and Kenya Power have valid claims, cutting fiber
> optic cables as leverage only harms businesses, schools, and households
> relying on stable internet access. Instead of escalating the standoff, a
> structured mediation process or regulatory intervention would be more
> effective.
>
> Moreover, this incident highlights a bigger concern—how secure is our
> critical infrastructure if disputes can lead to such drastic actions? It’s
> a wake-up call for stronger governance in managing public utilities and ICT
> infrastructure.
>
> Would love to hear your thoughts on possible solutions.
>
> Best regards,
> Alexander N. Kathanzu
>
> On Wed, 26 Feb 2025 at 07:17, 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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