The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has responded to Nairobi County’s disconnection of fibre optic cables attached to Kenya Power poles, which has severely disrupted internet services across the capital.
This disconnection has triggered widespread concern from Internet Service Providers (ISPs), businesses, and educational institutions.
The core financial dispute involves conflicting claims: Kenya Power alleges Nairobi County owes KES 3.1 billion in unpaid electricity bills. At the same time, Nairobi County counterclaims that Kenya Power owes KES 4.83 billion in wayleave fees.
The CA, however, clarifies that while county governments manage local land use, ICT infrastructure oversight falls under national jurisdiction, as stipulated by the Constitution and the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA) of 1998.
This cable disconnection is part of an escalating conflict between Nairobi County and Kenya Power. Prior to this, county officials engaged in disruptive actions at Kenya Power’s Stima Plaza Complex, including dumping garbage at entrances and severing water and sewer services.
The Kenya Power Pension Fund (KPPF), which owns Stima Plaza, condemned these actions, asserting no outstanding payments were owed.
Kenya Power’s General Manager Commercial and Sales, Rosemary Oduor, maintains that their actions followed legal procedures and prior notices.
City County Secretary Godfrey Akumali, however, dismissed Kenya Power’s claims, stating, “Let it be very clear—KPLC owes us KES 4.8 billion.”
He justified the sewer disconnection and garbage dumping as necessary to recover the alleged debt.
Raw sewage outside Kenya Power offices in Nairobi CBD as feud with City Hall enters second day pic.twitter.com/AkwhaJBEuN
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) February 25, 2025
A key point of contention is the interpretation of legal frameworks. Nairobi County insists Kenya Power should pay wayleave fees for leasing its poles to ISPs.
Conversely, Kenya Power cites Section 223 of the Energy Act, 2019, which prohibits public bodies from charging levies on public energy infrastructure without the Cabinet Secretary’s written consent.
The CA has urged all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize public interest, stating that “any unlawful, unilateral action that undermines connectivity should cease forthwith.”
The CA also stated, “Any interference with this infrastructure must conform with established legal and regulatory frameworks”. The regulator is actively engaging with Nairobi County, Kenya Power, and affected ISPs to ensure enforcement actions adhere to due process and national policy frameworks.
Nairobi County Re
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
Adding also, “We need revenue to operate and deliver services. We have engaged Kenya Power (KPLC) over the KES 4.8 billion debt they owe us, but they have refused to pay. We will take all necessary measures to push them to settle their dues.”
The disconnection of fibre optic cables has significant implications for Kenya’s digital economy, as these networks are crucial for connectivity, innovation, and access to essential services.
Consumers and businesses experiencing service disruptions are advised to contact their service providers for updates and support.
