The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has acknowledged concerns raised by ICT stakeholders following the disruption of critical internet services due to the removal of fibre optic cables mounted on Kenya Power poles within Nairobi County.
The Nairobi City County on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, started the process of dismantling fibre optic cables mounted on power poles along key highways.
The dismantling of the cables comes as Governor Johnson Sakaja pushes the county to create more own-source revenue amid an escalating fight with Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited (KPLC).
“Some of these fibre lines are illegal. We have given the affected service providers ample time to pay for hosting them on these poles, but they have refused. They have neither paid for wayleaves nor sought county approval,” Nairobi County Revenue Chief Officer Tiras Njoroge said during the launch of the crackdown.
CA intervenes
CA, while intervening in the feud, said the disruption, which has affected Internet Service Providers (ISPs), businesses, educational institutions, and the public, is linked to the dispute over wayleave fees and alleged non-compliance by Kenya Power in utilizing public infrastructure.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 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.
The Authority underscored the importance of fibre optic networks as a key pillar of Kenya’s digital economy, supporting connectivity, innovation, and access to essential services.
“The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) acknowledges the concerns 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 fiber optic cables mounted on Kenya Power poles within Nairobi County,” the statement read.
“As the regulator of the ICT sector under the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA), 1998, CA 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.”
Press Release: CA’s Response to Nairobi Conty’s Disconnection of Fibre Optic Infrastructure @047County @SakajaJohnson @KenyaPower @marywambui_m @Mugonyid @citizentvkenya @ntvkenya @KBCChannel1 @K24Tv @tv47news pic.twitter.com/4adst43eqL
— Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) (@CA_Kenya) February 25, 2025
ICT infrastructure
While recognizing the devolved functions of county governments, CA reiterated that ICT infrastructure falls under national oversight as per the Constitution and KICA. The regulator is actively engaging Nairobi County, Kenya Power, and affected ISPs to ensure that any enforcement measures align with legal and regulatory frameworks.
“We urge all parties to exercise restraint and uphold public interest as they work towards an amicable resolution. Any unlawful, unilateral action that undermines connectivity should cease forthwith,” the statement from the CA read in part.
The Authority has called on county governments and public utilities to consult with them before initiating actions that impact licensed telecommunications networks.
Consumers and businesses affected by the service disruption have been advised to seek updates and support from their service providers as engagements continue.
“We urge county governments and public utilities to engage the Authority before initiating measures that impact licensed telecommunications networks. Consumers and businesses affected by this disruption are encouraged to contact their service providers for updates and support,” CA stated.
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