Kenya to enforce stricter rules on internet cable installation to boost quality and safety

Kenya to enforce stricter rules on internet cable installation to boost quality and safety

The Communications Authority of Kenya says the changes come after many complaints about slow internet, frequent outages, and poorly installed cables.

Kenya is set to introduce stricter rules on how internet cables are installed, in a move aimed at improving service quality and safety. The Communications Authority of Kenya says the changes come after many complaints about slow internet, frequent outages, and poorly installed cables.
The regulator noted that most internet problems begin outside homes and offices. “Your internet experience doesn’t start at your phone; it begins with the cables right outside your home or office,” it said. Poor installations can lead to “slow speeds, frequent outages and even safety risks.”
To address this, the authority has released proposed guidelines and asked the public to submit feedback before May 20. The aim is to ensure internet infrastructure is installed in a safe, organised, and reliable way.
Under the new rules, only licensed contractors will be allowed to carry out installations, and all plans must be approved before work begins. Providers will also be required to submit installation routes within 30 days after completion.
In urban areas, fibre cables must be buried at least 600mm underground, with access points every 150 to 200 metres for maintenance. All cables must also be clearly labelled with the provider’s details.
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The rules also seek to end the common problem of loose cables hanging on poles and buildings. Stricter safety standards will apply to overhead cables, especially those mounted on power poles.
Internet companies will also be required to coordinate their work with road, rail, and power projects to avoid repeated digging. In addition, they must include extra capacity in their systems to support future expansion.
New buildings will not be left out. Under the upcoming Building Code 2025, all new developments must include internet ducts and internal wiring from the entry point to individual units.
The authority says the changes are meant to ensure “safe, reliable, and high-quality installation of telecommunication cables” and improve internet services across the country.
If approved, the new rules will take effect on July 1, 2026, after publication in the Kenya Gazette.

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