Nairobi City Hall operations came to a standstill for more than two hours on Wednesday after Safaricom disconnected internet services over a Sh3.2 million debt.
Citizens seeking services in the county offices were left stranded as most systems are automated.
ICT County Executive Commissioner Charles Kerich confirmed that the internet was disconnected at around 9am, disrupting services at the headquaters.
"Yes, our internet was disconnected but it has been restored. We talked to Safaricom to give us until January 31 to clear the bill," Mr Kerich told the Star on phone.
[caption caption="ICT County Executive Commissioner Charles Kerich"]
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The county is mentioned to be making its payment of the service quarterly.
People who sought to make payments, process statements and applications for certificates such as food handler's and business permits were affected.
Despite the county having automated 92 revenue streams, residents have to physically visit the offices for hard copy receipts.
According to Acting County Secretary Leboo Moritant, the disconnection did not completely halt operations as it did not last long.
JamboPay, the company that is contracted to automate collections, noted that though the services were disrupted, civilians were still able to make their payments using their phones.
"All services are available online at epaymenyts.nairobi.go.ke," Chief Executive Danson Muchemi commented.
[caption caption="JamboPay CEO Danson Muchemi"]
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Tax inspections, court fines, court awards, adverts on poles, building materials, licenses, exchequer releases and hoarding fees are among the streams that were also disrupted.
Others include survey fees, Waithaka Technical centre, laboratory fees, Dagoreti training fees, building occupation certificates, conveyance fees and ambulance fees.
