đź‘Ť amos reacted via Gmail <https://www.google.com/gmail/about/?utm_source=gmail-in-product&utm_medium=et&utm_campaign=emojireactionemail#app> On Wed, Feb 26, 2025, 10:42 AM amos ojiambo <ojiamboamos958@gmail.com> wrote:
Kenya Power does not directly own the fiber optic cables, but they are a key player in the transmission of electricity and energy services. The fiber optic cables are often laid alongside the electricity distribution network, and Kenya Power has some role in their maintenance, but the actual ownership typically lies with telecommunications companies like Safaricom, Telkom Kenya, or other internet service providers.
As for the County Government cutting the cables, it is generally a sign of unresolved disputes or grievances. While such actions are harmful and illegal, it may stem from issues such as lack of compensation for the use of public land, disagreements over permits, or concerns about infrastructure impacts. However, as you rightly pointed out, property damage and disrupting services to innocent citizens are not constructive ways to address such grievances.
The County Government or any aggrieved party should indeed seek legal channels to resolve their issues, such as:
1. Engagement with the responsible authorities: Communicating with the telecommunications companies or Kenya Power to negotiate the proper processes or compensation.
2. Filing complaints: If there’s a dispute over compensation or right-of-way, the County Government could file complaints with relevant regulatory bodies like the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) or the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
3. Court action: If negotiations fail, legal recourse through the courts is always an option.
Cutting cables does more harm than good, and it’s important for all parties to work through lawful channels to prevent disruptions that affect businesses, residents, and essential services.
On Wed, Feb 26, 2025, 10:33 AM Anne Gathirwa via KICTANet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Does Kenya Power own the fiber optic cables? What benefit does the County Government gain by cutting the cables? there are various legal channels that can be utilized inorder to solve their grievances rather than resorting to property damage and inconveniencing innocent citizens.
On Wed, Feb 26, 2025 at 7:18 AM David Indeje via KICTANet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Dear Listers,
A critical situation unfolding in Nairobi that's causing widespread disruption: the ongoing dispute between Nairobi County and Kenya Power.
As you may have heard/ read, Nairobi County officials have taken the drastic step of cutting fiber optic cables from Kenya Power's utility poles. This action has resulted in significant internet service disruptions affecting businesses, schools, and homes across the capital.
The core of the issue stems from an unpaid electricity bill of approximately $23.1 million (KES 3 billion) owed by Nairobi County to Kenya Power. However, the county government argues that Kenya Power owes them an even larger sum in unpaid land rates, wayleave fees, and parking charges. This counter-claim has escalated tensions and led to a hostile standoff.
The Communications Authority (CA) has condemned these actions, emphasising that ICT infrastructure falls under national government jurisdiction. As the CA stated, "Fibre optic networks are a cornerstone of Kenya’s digital economy. Any interference must follow legal and regulatory frameworks."
This situation is clearly unsustainable and is severely impacting the digital economy and daily lives of Nairobi residents.
*We are eager to hear your thoughts on how this dispute can be resolved.*
-- *Kind Regards,*
*David Indeje*
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KICTANet is a multi-stakeholder Think Tank for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. KICTANet is a catalyst for reform in the Information and Communication Technology sector. Its work is guided by four pillars of Policy Advocacy, Capacity Building, Research, and Stakeholder Engagement.
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