City Hall cracks down on unauthorised fibre optic cables after feud with Kenya Power

Nairobi County has launched an operation to remove unauthorised fibre optic cables mounted on power poles along major highways.

The crackdown started Tuesday morning and aimed to disconnect internet cables installed without the county's approval.

During the operation, Nairobi County Revenue Chief Officer Tiras Njoroge explained that internet service providers (ISPs) had not followed the required regulations. These include paying for wayleaves and obtaining permission to install cables on public infrastructure.

"These fibre 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 that they must ensure all fibre optic installations are properly authorised and that wayleave fees are fully paid.

"We need revenue to operate and deliver services [and] have engaged Kenya Power 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 stated.

The county also accused KPLC of facilitating the illegal installation of fibre optic cables.

Permits

Njoroge said KPLC had allowed companies to mount cables on power poles without obtaining the necessary permits.

"It is unfortunate that KPLC is helping these companies evade regulations while denying the county its rightful revenue," he said.

The crackdown comes one day after Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali criticised KPLC for refusing to settle its debt while dismissing claims that the Nairobi City County government owes the power utility firm Sh3 billion.

"Let it be very clear, KPLC owes us Sh4.8 billion. They are making profits and announcing them publicly, yet they refuse to pay their dues," Akumali said.

County officials argue that KPLC's failure to settle its debts is not the only issue. KPLC has also been profiting from public infrastructure without compensating the county.

The county’s Finance Executive Charles Kerich said KPLC leases its power poles to ISPs, allowing them to install fibre optic cables without paying the county's wayleave fees.

"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 asked.

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• City Affairs
• Kenya Power
• Nairobi County
• fibre optic cables
• wayleave fees
• City Hall cracks down on unauthorised fibre optic cables after feud with Kenya Power
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Standoff unresolved

The standoff between City Hall and KPLC remains unresolved, with both sides holding firm their positions.

KPLC confirmed that several of its vehicles were clamped by county officers over unpaid parking fees.

The dispute began when KPLC decided to cut power to several Nairobi County offices due to an unpaid electricity bill of Sh3.1 billion.

Despite supplying electricity to the county, KPLC stated that payments had been delayed, forcing them to take action.

In retaliation, Nairobi County cut water supply to major offices around Nairobi and blocked sewers for KPLC.

KPLC's General Manager for Commercial Services and Sales Rosemary Oduor explained that the dispute began two years ago when KPLC issued bills to the county, but payments were never made.

"This morning, we had our work going on, then all of a sudden, we realised that there were county government trucks with garbage. One of them came and dropped the garbage right in front of our offices at Stima Plaza. Several of them are still on standby around the building," Oduor said on Monday.

"We have had a long-standing issue with Nairobi County regarding payment of their bills. They have continued over time to raise issues with their bills, and we have had discussions over the last two years on how this could be solved, and they committed that they would start paying," she said.