TESPOK Condemns Nairobi County Over Alleged Vandalism

The Technology Service Providers Association of Kenya (TESPOK) has strongly condemned the Nairobi County Government for what it describes as the unlawful destruction of critical ICT infrastructure along Argwings Kodhek Road. In a press statement released today, TESPOK accused county officials of recklessly disconnecting and damaging vital telecommunications infrastructure, which was installed under a contract between Kenya Power and TESPOK members.

According to TESPOK, the disruption has caused significant damage, resulting in widespread downtime for businesses, households, and mission-critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, and public services. The organisation emphasised that ICT infrastructure is “a key pillar of Kenya’s digital and economic transformation” warning that such actions pose a serious threat to the country’s digital agenda.

The Nairobi County Government has been on an operation since Tuesday morning on Argwings Kodhek Road to disconnect what they have labelled as internet cables installed without county approval. The County Revenue Chief Officer Tiras Njoroge said at the time, “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.”

Meanwhile, TESPOK pointed out that ICT infrastructure is legally protected under Kenyan laws, including the Kenya Information and Communications Act and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. The association accused Nairobi County officials of violating these laws and disregarding stakeholder efforts to enhance Kenya’s digital landscape.

This was reiterated by the Communications Authority of Kenya stance. CA, as regulators of Kenya’s ICT sector, stated “Any interference with this infrastructure must conform with established legal and regulatory frameworks.” The Authority further added “Any unlawful, unilateral action that undermines connectivity should cease forthwith. We urge county governments and public utilities to engage the Authority before initiating measures that impact licensed telecommunications networks. Consumers and businesses affected by this disruption are encouraged to contact their service providers for updates and support.”

The body indicated “This is not an isolated incident but part of a worrying trend where disputes between government bodies are leading to unwarranted losses for businesses and citizens,” TESPOK stated. “Our members are suffering massive financial losses due to these disruptions, and it is shocking that such conflicts have been allowed to escalate without intervention.”

This unfortunate incident seems to be the culmination of a spat between the Nairobi County Government and Kenya Power, who they have accused of enabling non-compliant companies mount fibre optic cables on power lines without county business permits, wayleave approvals, or worse, authorisation from the Communications Authority. It is in part driven by the allegation that Kenya Power leases its power poles and transmission lines to ISPs, allowing them to install fibre optic cables without paying wayleave fees to the county.

“We need revenue to operate and deliver services. We have engaged Kenya Power (KPLC) over the Kshs4.8 billion debt they owe us, but they have refused to pay. We will take all necessary measures to push them to settle their dues,” added Njoroge.

Kenya Power also served their volley, claiming that the County Government, in fact, owes them an outstanding debt to the tune of Kshs 3 billion. That despite “consistently engaging the County Government on multiple occasions to resolve the matter,” this has occurred.

TESPOK is calling on the County Government to take full responsibility for the damage caused and compensate affected service providers and customers. It has also urged the Police to investigate and take action against those responsible. CA has made a strong case for restraint and respect as the parties “work towards an amicable solution.”