Armed police officers were deployed to Kenya Power and Lighting Company offices where a standoff with the Nairobi County officials had paralysed operations.
The officers facilitated the removal of the county lorries that had blocked roads to the Stima Plaza for two days affecting operations.
Kenya Power had asked staff to work from home, as their offices were rendered unbearable.
This is after the county government disconnected water supply to the building and blocked the sewer line in the ensuing standoff.
Raw sewerage was seen flowing outside the building in the chaos forcing the management to ask staff to stay away.
Other tenants there also stayed away on Monday and Tuesday.
Nairobi police boss George Sedah said they had been asked to help in removing the lorries from the scene.
He said they managed to clear the about five lorries that were used in blocking the roads.
He added they had deployed police at the scene as part of efforts to ensure safety of the tenants and locals.
“There are people living there and using the road. They asked for help which we have done even as the parties involved solve their issues,” he said.
It also emerged the head of public service Felix Koskei has summoned a meeting between City Hall officials and those from the Kenya Power and Lightning on Wednesday to mediate their standoff.
There have been accusations and counter accusations over the actions taken by City Hall that have paralyzed operations in general.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Tuesday expressed concern over the disruption of critical internet services following Nairobi County’s recent crackdown on unauthorized fibre optic cables mounted on Kenya Power poles.
Nairobi County officials argue that the affected infrastructure lacks proper way leave agreements and non-compliance by Kenya Power regarding the use of public utilities.
The Communications Authority, which regulates Kenya’s ICT sector, has called for adherence to established legal and regulatory frameworks in handling ICT infrastructure.
The Authority emphasized that fibre optic networks form the backbone of the country’s digital economy, supporting essential services, connectivity, and innovation.
“Any interference with this infrastructure must conform with established legal and regulatory frameworks,” CA stated.
“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 Authority acknowledged the county’s mandate to manage land use but reiterated that telecommunications infrastructure falls under national oversight as per the Constitution and the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA).
It has since engaged Nairobi County, Kenya Power, and affected internet service providers (ISPs) to facilitate an orderly resolution.
“We urge all parties to exercise restraint, observe, and respect public interest as they work towards an amicable solution,” the Authority stated, warning that any unlawful or unilateral action disrupting connectivity should cease immediately.
The CA further urged county governments and public utilities to consult with the Authority before undertaking actions that impact licensed telecommunications networks.
Meanwhile, affected businesses and consumers have been advised to reach out to their respective service providers for updates and support.
CA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Kenya’s ICT ecosystem and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for all users.
