The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the ICT industry regulator, has come out to call on Nairobi City County government to desist from taking “unlawful, unilateral action that undermines connectivity” within the city.
The CA’s move comes after concerns were raised by ICT stakeholders, including Internet Service Providers (ISPs), businesses, educational institutions and the public, following the disruption of critical internet services caused by the removal of ICT Infrastructure – fibre optic cables, mounted on Kenya Power poles within Nairobi County – by Nairobi City County officers this week.
The Nairobi City County government’s actions came from a dispute over way-leave fees and alleged non-compliance by Kenya Power regarding the use of public infrastructure.
In a statement, the CA emphasized that as the regulator of the ICT sector under the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA), 1998, it is mandated to oversee the deployment, licensing and protection of telecommunications infrastructure across Kenya.
“Fibre optic networks are a cornerstone of the country’s digital economy, supporting connectivity, innovation and access to essential services. Any interference with this infrastructure must conform with established legal and regulatory frameworks,” stated the CA.
“While the Authority respects the devolved functions of county governments, including their role in managing local land use, we strongly emphasize that ICT infrastructure falls under national oversight according to the Constitution and KICA.”
In the meantime, the Authority is actively engaging Nairobi County, Kenya Power and affected ISPs to establish the facts and ensure that any enforcement measures are orderly and comply with due process and national policy.
“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,” added the ICT industry regulator.
“We urge county governments and public utilities to engage the Authority before initiating measures that impact licensed telecommunications networks.”
On Monday, there was a scene at Stima Plaza after Nairobi City County officers dumped garbage at the entrances of the Plaza. The officers also clamped Kenya Power vehicles in protest over power cuts at City Hall due to Kshs 3 billion in unpaid electricity bills. The county government had further disconnected water supply to all Kenya Power offices in Nairobi and blocked their sewer lines.
Kenya Power had also disconnected electricity supply to other Nairobi City County offices.
As per media reports, Kenya Power’s GM for Commercial Services and Sales, Rosemary Oduor, stated that the power disconnection was due to City Hall’s arrears. However, power at City Hall was restored after negotiations between the two parties.
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