Nairobi City County has launched a sweeping operation to remove unauthorized fiber optic cables installed on power poles along major highways, intensifying an ongoing dispute with Kenya Power.
The crackdown, which began on Tuesday along Argwings Kodhek Road, targets internet cables set up without the necessary approvals from the county government, according to City Hall officials.
Speaking during the operation, Nairobi County Revenue Chief Officer Tiras Njoroge stated that several Internet Service Providers (ISPs) had failed to meet regulatory requirements, including payment of wayleave fees and obtaining official permits for their installations.
“These fiber lines have been placed illegally. We have engaged ISPs and given them ample time to comply, but they have failed to do so. They have neither paid the necessary fees nor sought the required authorization,” said Njoroge.
He warned that ISPs must ensure all fiber installations on county-managed road reserves are properly approved and that any outstanding payments are settled.
Njoroge further accused Kenya Power of facilitating non-compliant companies by allowing them to mount fiber optic cables on power infrastructure without adhering to county regulations.
“It is unacceptable that Kenya Power is enabling ISPs to bypass county requirements while we are being denied revenue that rightfully belongs to us,” he added.
The standoff between the county and the power utility comes amid financial disputes, with City Hall claiming Kenya Power owes them KSh 4.8 billion in unpaid wayleave fees.
On Monday, County Secretary Godfrey Akumali dismissed claims that the county owed Kenya Power KSh 3 billion, instead insisting that the power company had a larger debt to clear.
“Let it be clear—Kenya Power owes Nairobi County KSh 4.8 billion. They continue to make profits and announce them publicly, yet they refuse to pay what they owe,” Akumali stated.
Finance Executive Committee Member Charles Kerich also criticized Kenya Power for profiting from leasing its power poles to ISPs without compensating the county.
“KPLC is now hosting fiber optic cables for internet providers. Those red and green cables you see on their poles? That’s internet. They are making money from it, yet they refuse to pay their dues,” said Kerich.
With both sides holding firm on their positions, the dispute remains unresolved.
