Internet Disruption in Kenya and East Africa

Since Sunday, May 12th, 2024, internet users in East Africa have experienced slow internet speeds due to a significant undersea fiber optic cable break.

The outage has affected multiple internet service providers (ISPs) in East Africa and South Africa. Although details on the damage and its cause are limited, ISPs in the region are working tirelessly to minimize interruptions while awaiting full cable restoration.

Safaricom, a major regional telecommunications company, has confirmed that the undersea fiber optic cable break has affected its internet services. Safaricom made this confirmation through its Facebook page and outlined the measures being implemented to mitigate the issue.

Ben Roberts, Liquid Telecom’s Group Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, also confirmed disruption in the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) and the Seacom cables.

What are submarine cables/undersea fiber optic cables ?

Submarine cables, also known as undersea or submarine fiber optic cables, lie on the seabed to transmit telecommunication and data worldwide. They facilitate high-speed global internet connectivity.

Here are key facts about submarine cables:

Purpose: They transmit data, internet traffic, and communication globally, forming the backbone of international telecommunications.

Construction: These cables consist of layers of protective materials, including an optical fiber core transmitting data with light signals.

Deployment: Specialized ships lay submarine cables on the seabed, creating designated routes across oceans, connecting regions worldwide.

Transmission Capacity: Submarine cables carry vast data amounts at high speeds, crucial for international internet and telecommunications.

Ownership and Maintenance: A consortium of international telecommunications companies owns and maintains submarine cables, ensuring reliability and performance.

Global Connectivity: Submarine cables foster global connectivity, linking continents and countries, supporting trade, communication, research, and collaboration.

History of Kenya’s Submarine Cables

In 2009, Kenya launched the East African Marine System (TEAMS), its first submarine fiber optic cable, spanning 5,000 kilometers along Africa’s eastern coast. This cable directly linked Kenya to the global internet backbone, reducing reliance on satellites and boosting internet speeds significantly.

The East African Submarine System (EASSy) cable arrived on Kenya’s coast in 2010, enhancing internet infrastructure with redundancy and increased capacity. EASSy connected Kenya to over 20 other countries along Africa’s eastern and southern coastlines.

Subsequently, more cables were launched to meet bandwidth demands and improve network resilience. The Lower Indian Ocean Network (LION) cable, which landed in Mombasa in 2012, further diversified Kenya’s international connectivity.

Developing submarine cable infrastructure transformed Kenya’s telecommunications, providing faster, more reliable, and affordable internet access. These cables supported economic growth, innovation, and digital transformation across sectors like education, healthcare, finance, and e-commerce. Kenya continues to expand and upgrade its submarine cable network to meet evolving digital demands.

What can cause damage to the submarine cables?

Submarine cables can be damaged by various factors, both human-made and natural. Here are some common causes of damage to submarine cables:

• Anchor Drags: Ships and vessels with dragging anchors can accidentally snag and sever submarine cables. This is a common cause of cable damage, especially in busy shipping lanes and near ports.
• Fishing Activities: Fishing trawlers and equipment can inadvertently damage submarine cables when operating in marine areas where the cables are laid.
• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, underwater landslides, and tsunamis can disrupt submarine cables by causing the seabed to shift or by generating powerful underwater shockwaves.
• Marine Life: Marine animals, such as sharks, can be attracted to the electromagnetic fields generated by submarine cables and accidentally damage them by biting or tangling with the cables.
• Undersea Volcanic Activity: Volcanic eruptions under the sea can cause significant disturbances, including disrupting submarine cable routes.
• Human Activities: Activities such as deep-sea mining, oil and gas exploration, and underwater construction can potentially damage submarine cables if proper precautions are not taken.
• Deliberate Sabotage: In some rare cases, submarine cables have been intentionally damaged or tampered with for sabotage or illicit activities.
• Wear and Tear: Over time, submarine cables can degrade due to natural wear and tear caused by environmental factors, such as corrosion, temperature changes, and exposure to saltwater.

Measures put in place to prevent damage

Submarine cable operators and stakeholders implement measures to protect cables and prevent damage effectively.

Thorough route planning and seabed surveys precede cable laying to avoid hazards like obstructions or heavy traffic.

Methods include burying cables to shield them from fishing gear, ship anchors, and natural disturbances.

Cable routes are marked on charts and communicated to stakeholders to raise awareness and prevent accidental damage.

Submarine cables are designed with protective layers to withstand pressures, abrasion, and potential impacts.

Advanced technologies like ROVs and sensors monitor cable routes for early threat detection and response.

Governments establish regulations and guidelines, including cable protection zones, to enforce safe maritime practices.

Operators maintain rapid response capabilities, deploying repair ships equipped with tools to restore connectivity quickly.

Collaboration with maritime industries and agencies facilitates sharing of data and expertise on cable protection strategies.