Govt Tells Kenyans To Brace For Slow Internet Speed, Warns Undersea Cable Restoration Will Delay

• Since Sunday, May 12, Kenyans have been experiencing delays in internet connectivity and slow speed
• The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) confirmed intermittent data outages resulting from failures of undersea cables supplying internet
• The regulator warned that repairs for cables could take a while, directing telcos to activate alternative measures to keep Kenyans connected

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia brings over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Kenyans have to wait for a while before steady and high-speed internet connectivity is restored.

The government confirmed reports of intermittent data outages reported since Sunday, May 12, caused by failures in the undersea cables.

How long will Kenyans face slow internet?

In a press statement shared with media houses, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) warned that the repairs could take some time before full restoration.

"The recovery process for the affected submarine cables which deliver internet is underway. However, individuals and corporate consumers should expect internet intermittency and slow speed in the coming few days before services are fully restored," read CA's statement in part.

CA director-general David Mugonyi revealed that the deep-sea fibre cut happened at the Mutunzi teleport station, affecting submarine cables belonging to Seacom and East Africa Submarine System (Eassy), which supply internet to Kenya.

What Kenyan telcos should do to solve internet outages?

Mugonyi directed telecommunication firms, including Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom Kenya, to employ alternative measures that will keep the country connected.

He said CA will be monitoring the situation to ensure incoming and outbound internet connectivity is viable.

The regulator noted that the only cable not affected is the East Africa Marine System (TEAMS), which is currently used for local traffic flow.

How is Safaricom minimising internet outages?

On Monday, May 13, leading telecommunications company Safaricom said it activated measures to keep its customers connected.

"About the damaged cables, that is still under repairs, but we have since activated measures to minimize interruption and keep you connected as we await the full restoration of the cable," said Safaricom in response to TUKO.co.ke.

However, the internet service provider reiterated that the measures provided could cause reduced internet speed.

The telco further noted that it will be pursuing additional capacity in collaboration with other unaffected undersea cable partners.

Safaricom said the move will take care of the affected bandwidth, while the affected partners resolve the cable issues.

What to know about internet connectivity outage

• Kenya is among the countries that were hit by the internet connectivity outage since Sunday, May 12
• Kenyans shared their experience, with some demanding compensation after wasting their money buying data bundles.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke