Kenyans have been warned about controlled internet disruptions for the next two months due to a subsea cable outage at the Red Sea.
The internet interruptions were first announced on February 26, with reports that the subsea damage had affected a section connecting Mombasa, Kenya, and Zafarana, Egypt.
In a statement sent to Kenyans.co.ke, the internet service provider announced that repairs would take at least eight weeks.
“Our repair partner, E-marine, has taken proactive steps this week by applying for repair permits through the appropriate authorities,” the statement read in part.
Underwater sea cables at the Red Sea
Photo
Digwatch
“As part of the regulatory process, we anticipate that permitting could take up to eight (8) weeks to obtain.”
Additionally, the global internet provider explained that there was no absolute guarantee that the repairs would be completed within eight weeks.
While being optimistic that the cable repairs would proceed as planned, the company was mindful of the ongoing tension at the Red Sea.
The company explained that the tensions had the possibility of introducing unforeseen challenges that could potentially impact our repair timeline.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to keep all stakeholders updated on the progress of the repair operations as events unfold,” the company stated.
In the meantime, the company continues to carry traffic on its cable running between Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa, for both transmission and IP services.
The tension in the Red Sea is attributed to Houthi rebels who have been attacking ships using the sea route.
Kenya is part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a US-led task force that is seeking an end to the Houth-led attacks on vessels.
Defence CS Aden Duale meeting his US counterpart Lloyd Austin on February 7, 2023.
Lloyd J Austin
