The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has stepped in following Nairobi County’s disconnection of fiber optic cables mounted on Kenya Power poles—a move that has severely disrupted internet services across the capital.
In a statement issued today, CA acknowledged growing concerns from Internet Service Providers (ISPs), businesses, and educational institutions affected by the abrupt infrastructure removal.
The Billion-Shilling Feud Behind the Internet Shutdown
At the heart of this crisis is a heated dispute over wayleave fees, with Nairobi County accusing Kenya Power of owing KES 4.8 billion in unpaid charges. The county claims ISPs have illegally installed fiber cables on power poles without county approval or payments, facilitated by Kenya Power.
However, Kenya Power has countered, alleging that Nairobi County owes them KES 3.1 billion in unpaid electricity bills. The utility also cites Section 223 of the Energy Act (2019), which prevents public bodies from imposing charges on national energy infrastructure without cabinet secretary approval.
Hostilities Escalate: Garbage Blockade at Stima Plaza
The row intensified on Monday when Nairobi County officials dumped garbage outside Stima Plaza—Kenya Power’s headquarters—and cut off water and sewer services to the building. This drastic move not only impacted Kenya Power but also affected tenants like Cooperative Bank and Health Point Services.
In response, Kenya Power Pension Fund (KPPF), the owner of Stima Plaza, slammed the county’s actions as “unwarranted”, insisting they have no outstanding payments due to the county.
CA Calls for Restraint as National Interests Hang in the Balance
The Communications Authority has stressed that while county governments oversee land use, ICT infrastructure falls under national regulation, as per the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA) of 1998.
CA has urged both parties to exercise restraint, warning that “any unilateral action that disrupts connectivity must cease immediately.” The regulator is now mediating talks between Kenya Power, Nairobi County, and ISPs to ensure compliance with national policies.
Why This Internet Disruption Matters
The disconnection of fiber optic cables has far-reaching consequences for Kenya’s digital economy, affecting:
✅ Businesses relying on online transactions
✅ Remote workers and digital freelancers
✅ E-learning platforms and schools
✅ Government services and e-commerce operations
As Nairobi residents continue to grapple with internet outages, CA is expected to provide updates on progress in resolving the standoff. Meanwhile, affected users are advised to reach out to their ISPs for updates on service restoration.
What’s Next? Will Kenya Power and City Hall Reach a Truce?
Despite the ongoing battle, both Kenya Power and Nairobi County have hinted at a willingness to negotiate. However, whether a long-term solution will be reached before further disruptions occur remains to be seen.
