Published on February 25, 2025 by Kariuki Mwangi
Last Updated on 1 year by Kariuki Mwangi
The Nairobi City County Government today, Tuesday February 25, 2015, embarked on a major operation aimed at removing fibre optic cables mounted on power poles along major highways which the county insist it has not authorized.
The crackdown is aimed at bringing down internet cables installed along power lines without the county’s approval, further escalating the war between Nairobi County and Kenya Power over unpaid wayleaves owed to the county by the power supplier.
While launching the operation, Nairobi County Revenue Chief Officer Tiras Njoroge explained that internet service providers (ISPs) had not followed the required regulations which includes paying for wayleaves and obtaining permission to install cables on public infrastructure but had gone ahead to install their cables along Kenya Power lines.
“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.
Njoroge issued a stern stance to 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 while our efforts to engage Kenya Power over the Sh4.8 billion debt they owe us have been met with blatant refusal to pay up. They have refused to pay. We will take all necessary measures to push them to settle their dues,” Njoroge said.
The county also accused KPLC of facilitating the illegal installation of fibre optic cables noting that 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.
