Nairobi Internet Disrupted – How Can This Be Resolved?
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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