Telecommunication service providers lose sh280 million to vandalism’ says Wangusi

CA Director General Mr. Francis Wangusi

Telecommunication service providers in Kenya have lost more than sh280million to vandalism.

According to the industry regulator the Communication Authority, the loss has largely been attributed to vandalism, from acts of terrorism and political violence witnessed during the recent election period.

"These incidents have been occasioned by terrorist attacks specifically in Mandera, Garissa and parts of Lamu counties," explained CA Director General Mr. Francis Wangusi.

Mr. Wangusi explained that a total of eight base stations have been damaged across the country in the recent past plunging residents into communication darkness and occasioning huge losses for service providers.

The recent incidence happened when a Safaricom booster was vandalised in Kisumu County on Monday as residents protested the Supreme Court ruling that upheld President Uhuru Kenyatta’s October 26 election victory.

The Safaricom booster on Kakamega Road was vandalised, looted, its generator set on fire and wall surrounding it brought down by rowdy youths.

Al Shabaab militants in June destroyed a Safaricom communication mast during an attack in Fafi sub-county, Garissa County. The attack left three officers who responded to the attack injured.

In February, Al-Shabaab terrorists also attacked a police post and destroyed communication masts in Arabia area, Mandera County. This cut communication between police officers who were at the Administration Police post and other commanders.