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The Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) has addressed concerns regarding intermittent internet connectivity across the country.

In a press statement released on Monday, May 13, the communication authority warned that users may continue to experience intermittent internet access and slower speeds over the next few days as services are being fully restored.

CAK said they received reports of disruptions in data services and traffic congestion on submarine cable internet routes into Kenya.

After engaging with relevant industry players, CAK determined that a deep-sea fibre cut had occurred at the Mtunzini teleport station.

“Yesterday, the Authority received reports on intermittent data outages and traffic jam on the submarine cable Internet traffic flow into the country. Upon engaging the relevant industry players, the Authority has established that a deep-sea fibre cut had occurred on the Mtunzini teleport station, affecting a number of submarine cables serving Kenya, including Seacom and the East African Submarine System (Eassy). We wish inform individual and corporate consumers that the recovery process has since commenced but Internet intermittency and slow speeds may remain in the coming few days before services are fully restored,” CAK stated.

The authority said the incident has impacted several vital submarine cables that serve Kenya, including Seacom and the East African Submarine System (Eassy).

CAK has instructed service providers to proactively secure alternative routes for their traffic.

Additionally, they said they are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that both incoming and outbound internet connectivity remains available.

As part of the interim measures, the East Africa Marine System (TEAMS) cable, which remains unaffected by the cut, is currently being utilized for local traffic flow.

Moreover, redundancy measures on the South African route have been activated to minimize further disruptions.

Intermittent internet

Over the weekend, internet users in Kenya and throughout East Africa encountered issues with their connections, experiencing disruptions and slower speeds.

Earlier, telecommunication companies addressed the situation, attributing the problem to undersea cable damage.

This damage has affected internet connectivity across the country. While efforts are underway to restore full service, users may continue to experience intermittent connectivity or reduced speeds.

Both companies said they have implemented measures to minimize the impact on users and are working with their partners to resolve the issue promptly.

“You may experience intermittent connectivity or reduced speeds as we await full restoration. However, we have taken the necessary steps to minimize the impact. Kindly bear with us as we work with our partners to restore full services. Thank you in advance for your patience,” Airtel Kenya stated.

“Internet traffic into and out of the country has been impacted due to cable cuts deep in the sea.
While you may experience intermittent service provision during this time, Telkom has put in place mitigation measures to minimise this disruption and keep you connected. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we work with our partners to restore optimal service provision as soon as possible,” Telkom Kenya stated.

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