Nairobi Internet Disrupted – How Can This Be Resolved?
The County of Nairobi does not own the fiber. Why would it have the nerve to disconnect?
NC4 already gazetted what critical infrastructure is. However, we need to interrogate the enforcement measures to identify if there are gaps. Otherwise, this is bound to happen again, and will affect many of us who rely heavily on the internet to do our work.
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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.
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From: A Mutheu via KICTANet <[email protected]>
Sent: 26 February 2025 8:35 AM
To: Grace Githaiga <[email protected]>
Cc: A Mutheu <[email protected]>
Subject: [kictanet] Re: Nairobi Internet Disrupted – How Can This Be Resolved?
Dear Listers,
In my opinion, Kenya is facing a preventable crisis—one that exposes major governance failures and threatens national cybersecurity.
WHY THIS IS A CRISIS:
* Internet access is a human right – As affirmed by the UN Human Rights Council (A/HRC/32/L.20, 2016). Public officials cannot deliberately cut off access to settle financial disputes.
* A cybersecurity & economic risk – Disrupting ICT infrastructure compromises digital security, stalls businesses, and derails economic growth.
* A dangerous precedent – If this is acceptable, will we see hospitals losing water supply over unpaid fees? Roads barricaded over debts?
This is not just about money—it’s about governance, the rule of law, and national stability.
WHAT MUST HAPPEN IMMEDIATELY:
* Legal accountability – Public officials must be held responsible. Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2018) criminalizes ICT interference, and NC4Kenya has gazetted internet lines as critical infrastructure.
* Binding arbitration for government disputes – National infrastructure must be protected from bureaucratic feuds.
* A national ICT security protocol – The Communications Authority (CA) must establish a rapid-response mechanism to prevent reckless disruptions.
This is not just a financial dispute—it’s a governance failure that places Kenya’s digital future at risk. Public services should NEVER be used as bargaining chips.
Cybersecurity starts with responsible governance.
Stay happy,
Mutheu.
[https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4ycZElduDI_OCeFuCX6-aFKg4ENKsdzoKuudmbXwbzUZc02FZnjefpSg8R-WLOvRxarqMuc4DU]
On Wed, Feb 26, 2025 at 7:21 AM David Indeje via KICTANet <[email protected]<mailto:[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.