Kenya is preparing to overhaul its internet infrastructure through stricter installation rules designed to boost service quality and public safety.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) announced the move following a surge in consumer complaints regarding sluggish speeds, frequent outages, and the hazardous “eyesore” of poorly installed cables hanging across streets.
The regulator pointed out that most connectivity issues originate long before the signal reaches a user’s device.
According to the CA, “Your internet experience doesn’t start at your phone; it begins with the cables right outside your home or office. When installations are poorly done, the result is slow speeds, frequent outages, and even safety risks.”
To fix these systemic issues, the authority released a set of proposed guidelines and invited the public to submit feedback by May 20, 2026.
The new framework demands a more organized and reliable approach to building the nation’s digital highways. Under these rules, only licensed contractors may perform installations, and all projects require formal approval before a single cable is laid. Furthermore, providers must submit their final installation routes to the regulator within 30 days of finishing a job.
The guidelines also set specific technical standards for urban areas. Operators must bury fiber cables at least 600mm deep and include access points for maintenance every 150 to 200 meters. To ensure accountability, every cable must carry a clear label identifying the service provider.
The new regulations aim to eliminate the hazardous and unsightly web of loose cables currently draping over buildings and utility poles. Under the proposed framework, overhead cables, particularly those sharing space with power lines, must meet rigorous safety standards to prevent accidents and service disruptions.
These measures aim to streamline maintenance and ensure that Kenya’s internet infrastructure meets international safety and performance standards.
To minimize public inconvenience, internet companies must now synchronize their infrastructure projects with road, rail, and power works. This coordinated approach seeks to end the cycle of repeated excavation on public land. Furthermore, the Communications Authority is mandating that providers build extra capacity into their new systems to accommodate future technological growth.
Modern housing will also see a digital upgrade. The upcoming Building Code 2025 will require all new developments to include built-in internet ducts and internal wiring, ensuring seamless connectivity from the property line to individual units.
According to the regulator, these shifts guarantee “safe, reliable, and high-quality installation of telecommunication cables.”
The authority believes these improvements will drastically elevate the standard of internet services nationwide. If the public and stakeholders approve the draft, the new rules will become law on July 1, 2026, following their publication in the Kenya Gazette.
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