The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has raised concerns over the Nairobi County Government’s recent actions, which have reportedly disrupted internet services in the city.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 25, CA announced that it had initiated talks with county officials to address the disruptions, which have significantly impacted businesses and consumers.
According to the CA, fiber optic networks are a critical component of the country’s digital economy, and any interference with them must align with existing legal and regulatory frameworks.
“While we acknowledge the devolved functions of county governments, including their mandate in land use management, ICT infrastructure falls under national oversight as per the Constitution and the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA),” the Authority stated.
The agency further revealed that it was actively engaging both Nairobi County and Kenya Power to assess the situation and ensure that any enforcement measures are carried out in an orderly manner, in compliance with national policy and due process.
Preliminary findings by the CA suggest that Nairobi County’s crackdown on fiber optic cables is linked to a dispute over wayleave fees and allegations that Kenya Power failed to comply with regulations governing the use of public infrastructure.
Despite the standoff between the two parties, the CA called for restraint, emphasizing that public interest should be the top priority.
The Authority urged both Kenya Power and Nairobi County to seek an amicable solution, warning against unilateral actions that could undermine connectivity and disrupt essential services.
Additionally, CA encouraged county governments and public utilities nationwide to consult with the regulator before implementing measures that may affect licensed telecommunications networks.
Meanwhile, businesses and consumers impacted by the internet service disruptions were advised to contact their service providers for updates and assistance.
“We remain committed to safeguarding Kenya’s ICT ecosystem and will continue to monitor the situation, providing further updates as necessary,” CA affirmed.
The intervention by the Communications Authority follows Nairobi County’s recent crackdown on unauthorized fiber optic cables mounted on power poles along key roads. County officials have accused Kenya Power of allowing ISPs to install cables without obtaining the required permits.
