The government through the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has called out the Nairobi County Government over allegations of causing internet disruption within the city.
CA in a statement on Tuesday, February 25, said it had begun the process of engaging the county government to resolve the menace which it said caused massive disruption to several businesses.
According to the Authority, fibre optic networks are a cornerstone of the country's digital economy and its interference must conform with established legal and regulatory frameworks.
“While the Authority respects the devolved functions of county governments, including their role in managing local land use, we strongly emphasize that ICT infrastructure falls under national oversight according to the Constitution and KICA,” the Authority stated.
“The Authority is actively engaging Nairobi County and Kenya Power to establish the facts and ensure that any enforcement measures are orderly and comply with due process and national policy.”
Addressing the matter, CA disclosed that preliminary inquiries indicated that the actions of Nairobi County stemmed from a dispute over wayleave fees and alleged non-compliance by Kenya Power regarding the use of public infrastructure.
However, despite the controversy between the two parties, the Authority urged both government entities to exercise restraint, observe and respect public interest.
Kenya Power and the Nairobi County Government were also urged to work towards an amicable solution and that any unlawful, unilateral action that undermines connectivity should cease immediately.
Additionally, CA called on all county governments and public utilities across the country to engage it before initiating measures that impact licensed telecommunications networks.
While criticising Nairobi County’s controversial decision, consumers and businesses affected by the internet disruption were advised to contact their service providers for updates and support.
“We remain steadfast in our mandate to safeguard the integrity of Kenya's ICT ecosystem and will provide further updates as the situation develops,” CA announced.
The intervention by the Communications Authority comes hours after Nairobi City County officials launched a major crackdown on unauthorized fibre optic cables mounted on power poles along key highways.
During the operation, the county government accused Kenya Power of enabling non-compliant companies to mount fibre optic cables on power lines without county business permits.
