The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has called on Nairobi County to stop disrupting internet services in the city following the removal of fibre optic cables mounted on Kenya Power poles. This action, carried out by county officials on Tuesday, has severely impacted businesses and residents reliant on uninterrupted connectivity.
The move comes amid an escalating dispute between Nairobi County and Kenya Power over unpaid wayleave fees. The county claims the power utility has not complied with public infrastructure regulations, leading to its decision to dismantle the cables. However, this action appears to be a retaliatory measure after Kenya Power cut off electricity to most county offices last week due to an outstanding Ksh 3 billion power bill.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CA condemned the disruptions, emphasizing that such unilateral actions negatively impact businesses, institutions, and individuals who depend on stable internet connectivity. The authority is now stepping in to mediate between the two parties to establish the facts and ensure that any enforcement measures align with due process and national policy.
“Preliminary inquiries indicate that the actions of Nairobi County stem from a dispute over wayleave fees and alleged non-compliance by Kenya Power regarding the use of public infrastructure,” CA stated.
CA has urged both the county government and Kenya Power to seek an amicable resolution while prioritizing public interest. The authority stressed that halting the removal of fibre optic cables is necessary to prevent further economic disruptions.
“We urge all parties to exercise restraint, observe, and respect public interest as they work towards an amicable solution. Any unlawful, unilateral action that undermines connectivity should cease forthwith,” the authority added.
The dispute has drawn criticism from affected businesses and consumers, who have been forced to deal with service disruptions. Many have turned to their internet service providers for updates and support, while others have suffered financial losses due to the unexpected outage.
Industry stakeholders have also weighed in, warning that such conflicts between government agencies can erode investor confidence in the telecommunications and energy sectors. They have called for a clear regulatory framework to prevent such disputes from escalating in the future.
As negotiations unfold, Nairobi residents hope for a swift resolution that will restore normalcy to internet services in the city. Meanwhile, CA continues to monitor the situation, urging affected users to seek assistance from their service providers.
