The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued an urgent response to Nairobi County’s disconnection of fiber optic cables mounted on Kenya Power poles, an action that has disrupted critical internet services across the capital.
In a press release published today, the CA acknowledged the concerns raised by multiple stakeholders, including Internet Service Providers, businesses, and educational institutions affected by the sudden infrastructure removal.
The disconnection stems from a dispute over wayleave fees, with Nairobi County officials claiming that Kenya Power owes the county KES 4.8 billion. According to City Hall, ISPs have been installing cables without proper county approval or fee payment, facilitated by Kenya Power.
However, the CA has emphasized that while county governments have authority over local land use, ICT infrastructure falls under national oversight according to both the Constitution and the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA) of 1998.
The fiber optic disconnection is just the latest development in an increasingly hostile standoff between Nairobi County and Kenya Power. On Monday, county officials dramatically escalated the dispute by dumping garbage at the entrances of Stima Plaza Complex and cutting off water and sewer services to the building.
The Kenya Power Pension Fund (KPPF), which owns the Stima Plaza Complex, condemned these actions as “unwarranted,” stating that they had no outstanding payments owed to the county or its subsidiaries. The blockade has affected not only Kenya Power but also other tenants, including Cooperative Bank and Health Point services.
Both entities are locked in a financial dispute with contradictory claims. Kenya Power alleges Nairobi County has defaulted on electricity bills totaling KES 3.1 billion. Meanwhile, Nairobi County counters that Kenya Power owes them KES 4.83 billion in wayleave fees.
Last week, Kenya Power disconnected electricity to certain county offices, prompting the county’s retaliatory measures. Kenya Power’s General Manager Commercial and Sales, Rosemary Oduor, stated they acted within the law after issuing prior notices.
Meanwhile, City-County Secretary Godfrey Akumali rejected 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 measures until Kenya Power settles its debt.
The dispute also involves interpretations of the law. While the county claims Kenya Power should pay wayleave fees for leasing its poles to ISPs, the utility 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.
CA has urged all parties to exercise restraint and consider public interest, stating that “any unlawful, unilateral action that undermines connectivity should cease forthwith.”
The regulator is actively engaging with Nairobi County, Kenya Power, and affected ISPs to ensure that enforcement measures comply with due process and national policy frameworks.
Disconnecting fiber optic cables has serious implications for Kenya’s digital economy. Fiber optic networks are essential communication infrastructure that support connectivity, innovation, and access to critical services across the country.
Consumers and businesses affected by the service disruption have been encouraged to contact their service providers for updates and support during this period.
Despite the heated exchanges, both parties have expressed openness to dialogue. The Communications Authority has promised further updates as discussions continue.
