The County Government of Nairobi led by Governor Johnson Sakaja has been ordered to take full responsibility for the unlawful destruction of critical ICT infrastructure along Argwings Kodhek Road.
While condemning the act, the Technology Service Providers Association of Kenya (TESPOK) has in a Wednesday, February 26, statement ordered that the county compensates affected businesses and individuals.
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TESPOK, a body representing Kenya’s ICT service providers, has criticized the county’s move, terming it a blatant violation of national laws governing ICT infrastructure.
The association pointed out that the destruction of the network lines not only disrupted livelihoods but also cost businesses millions in losses.
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Moreover, among the sectors affected as highlighted include healthcare, finance, and public services, as well as for businesses and households that depend on stable, reliable internet connectivity
“This is not an isolated incident but part of a worrying trend where disputes between government agencies are leading to disruptions in legitimate business activities, causing massive financial losses and impacting the lives of Kenyans,”
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“We demand that the County Government take full responsibility for these actions and compensate service providers and affected customers for the downtime caused,” TESPOK stated.
Also Read: Sakaja Speaks After Summon by State House Chief
Accusations Against the County
The organization highlighted that ICT infrastructure is legally protected under the Kenya Information and Communications Act and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
Additionally, it noted that the county government’s actions directly contradicted national policies that prioritize digital transformation and economic growth.
Also, TESPOK noted that the disruption affected key government services and essential sectors that rely on uninterrupted internet connectivity. Patients in hospitals, businesses conducting financial transactions, and ordinary Kenyans depending on stable digital services were all caught in the disruption.
TESPOK is now calling on the National Police Service to investigate and arrest those responsible.
“ICT infrastructure is also legally protected under key Kenyan laws, including the Kenya Information and Communications Act and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
“The actions of Nairobi County officials clearly violate these laws and fly in the face of stakeholder efforts to achieve Kenya’s digital agenda; such must not be tolerated,” explained the association.
The County Government is yet to respond to the allegations.
Also Read: NEMA Issues Order To Sakaja Day After Garbage Dumped at Kenya Power Office
Sakaja Speaks on the Stalemate
the governor was summoned by the State House Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei to resolve the stalemate between the Nairobi City County Government and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC).
After the meeting, the leaders resolved to ensure that the standoff is solved amicably, with all hostilities by both factions set to end.
“We’ve had a fruitful meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Energy led by CS Opiyo Wandayi, the Head of Public Service Kenya Power Limited and we had our officers and teams. We agreed on a number of issues. The first thing we have resolved is that all hostilities end, and issues be sorted out amicably,”
“We have now given instructions to restore water supply to their (KPLC) premises and to remove the trucks that had been blocking access. It is unfortunate that one of the trucks tipped garbage. That was not the intention,” said the governor.
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