Nairobi City County launched a crackdown on unauthorized fiber optic cables mounted on power poles along key highways amid an escalating feud with Kenya power.
This affected many subscribers who rely on the poles for internet in various places.
The operation, which commenced Tuesday morning on Argwings Kodhek Road, aims to disconnect internet cables installed without county approval, City Hall said.
Nairobi County Revenue Chief Officer Tiras Njoroge said the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) had failed to comply with regulations requiring them to pay for wayleaves and obtain official authorization to install the cables.
“These fiber lines are illegal. We have given the ISPs ample time to pay for hosting them on these poles, but they have refused. They have neither paid for wayleaves nor sought county approval,” Njoroge said.
He warned ISPs to ensure that all fiber optic installations on county road reserves have the necessary approvals and that wayleave fees are fully paid.
“We need revenue to operate and deliver services [and] have engaged Kenya Power (KPLC) over the Sh4.8 billion debt they owe us, but they have refused to pay. We will take all necessary measures to push them to settle their dues.”
Njoroge accused KPLC of enabling non-compliant companies to mount fiber optic cables on power lines without county business permits, wayleave approvals, or even authorization from the Communications Authority.
“It is unfortunate that KPLC is helping these companies evade regulations while denying the county its rightful revenue,” he added.
The crackdown comes a day after County Secretary Godfrey Akumali accused KPLC of refusing to settle its debt while dismissing claims that the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) owes the power utility Sh3 billion.
“iKPLC owes us Sh4.8 billion. They are making profits and announcing them publicly, yet they refuse to pay their dues,” Akumali stated.
County officials argue that beyond failing to settle its debts, KPLC is profiting from public infrastructure without compensating the county.
Finance CEC Member Charles Kerich said KPLC leases its power poles and transmission lines to ISPs, allowing them to install fiber optic cables without paying wayleave fees to the county.
“KPLC now hosts optic cables and internet services. Those green and red cables on their poles? That’s internet. They are making money, yet they refuse to pay their debt. Who are we supposed to pay ours to?” Kerich said.
The standoff remains unresolved as both sides hold firm on their positions.
Meanwhile, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has ordered the Nairobi County Government to remove its garbage trucks and waste dumped at Stima Plaza in the escalating feud with Kenya Power.
NEMA’s Environmental Education director Ayub Macharia said the retaliatory measures by City Hall violate environmental laws adding that neighboring residents and businesses have been unfairly affected by the stench.
The situation escalated Monday when Kenya Power, reportedly disconnected power supply in various county governments due to its failure to settle a Sh3.1 billion electricity bill.
In retaliation, the county government disconnected water supply to all Kenya Power offices in Nairobi and blocked their sewer lines.
The power officials kept off their offices on Tuesday after City Hall trucks blocked the roads near Stima Plaza in the stand off.
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