Nairobi Internet Disrupted – How Can This Be Resolved?
On Wed, Feb 26, 2025, 10:59 AM Daniel Obam via KICTANet <
[email protected]> wrote:
> The unpaid electricity bill dispute aside, someone from the Nairobi City
> Country should face the full force of the law for this short sighted and
> terrible cybercrime act
>
> On Wed, 26 Feb 2025 at 07:19, 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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