The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) announced on Monday, May 13, 2024, that slow internet speeds will continue in East Africa due to a deep-sea fiber cut affecting cable services in Kenya.

The Incident: Since Sunday, internet users in East and South Africa have been grappling with sluggish internet speeds due to damages incurred by major subsea cables in the Red Sea.

Impact on Users: Both fiber and mobile broadband users are experiencing outages, with internet service providers (ISPs) in the region working to minimize disruptions as they await full cable restoration.

Subsea Cable Basics

Overview: Submarine communication cables are fiber-optic cables laid on the ocean floor, facilitating data transmission, including internet and telephone traffic, between continents.

Deployment: These cables are deployed using specialized cable-laying ships and are buried near the shore for protection.

Internet Backbone: Subsea cables serve as the primary infrastructure for global internet connectivity, playing a pivotal role in powering telecommunications networks across continents.

Industry Insights

Scale: Over 570 undersea cables exist globally, with submarine cables meeting 90% of Africa's internet demands.

Ownership: These cables are predominantly owned by telecom operators and investors, with significant investments from tech giants like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon.

The Outage Incident

Affected Cables: The current outage involves three cuts in key submarine cables, namely Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) and Seacom cables, impacting internet connectivity.

Cable Details: EASSy spans 10,000 kilometres along Africa's east and south coasts, while Seacom, extending 17,000 kilometres, runs along the continent's southern coasts.

Additional Damages: The Europe India Gateway (EIG) and Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE-1) cables in the Red Sea also suffered cuts.

Impact Mitigation

Rerouting Traffic: Telecom companies and ISPs rely on multiple cable systems to reroute traffic during outages, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.

Damage Causes

Human and Natural Factors: Submarine cable faults are often attributed to human activities like fishing and natural hazards such as earthquakes and landslides.

Recent Incidents: Previous instances include a suspected underwater rockslide off the coast of Cote d’Ivoire and ship anchor damage in the Red Sea.

Conflict-Related: Conflicts, like the war in Yemen, have contributed to cable damages, with accusations exchanged between parties involved.

Happy Monday!

Here’s what we got for you today:

• Betty Kyallo ‘mystery’ partner

• Old Trafford stadium leaking

• Lung’aho clarifies toxic TV character

• Shusho’s Daughter is engaged

• Kamene Goro debunks fake news

• Churchil Show is back (almost)

• Meet Millicent Omanga’s new baby

• Kalonzo Musyoka’s son weds

Betty Kyallo Wedding Bells?

Media sensation Betty Kyallo caused quite a stir with her highly awaited premiere on TV47's "This Friday with Betty" on May 10th.

However, there's more to the story – Betty surprised viewers by dropping a bombshell about her love life, suggesting that wedding bells might be ringing soon.

“My husband is from the western region. I am settled now and I feel happy,” Kyallo explained.

Madowo Slams Man United's Leaky Defense & Stadium

CNN journalist Larry Madowo criticized Manchester United's defense and the iconic Old Trafford stadium conditions, comparing the leaking roof to their defensive line. He expressed disbelief at the extent of the leaks, stating that he's seen better pitches in Africa.

"Man United's roof is leaking like their defense line!" Madowo complained.

Adding; "If I hadn't recorded the waterfalls at Old Trafford myself, I wouldn't have believed it. I've seen better pitches in Africa," he said.

Lung’aho speaks on ‘Untying Kantai’ TV character

Actor Lung'aho has addressed his character Rob in a new series Untying Kantai, clarifying that it should not be confused with his real-life identity.

Lung'aho attributed the character's development solely to scriptwriter Abel Mutua. This marks Lung'aho's debut with Phil It Production.

'Untying Kantai' premiered on Showmax on May 9, 2024, promising audiences a gripping storyline and talented cast. The series follows King Kantai's journey, who, after being cheated out of his life savings, faces a moral dilemma involving a lucrative opportunity with a truckload of antipsychotic drugs.

Shusho’s Daughter is engaged

Odesia Shusho, the eldest daughter of well-known Tanzanian gospel artist Christina Shusho, is now engaged.

Kamene Goro debunks fake news

Radio personality Kamene Goro has warned of legal action against an individual spreading false rumours alleging her involvement in a tragic accident.

Churchil Show is back almost

Comedian Daniel Ndambuki, also known as Churchill, has revealed intentions to revive his acclaimed TV show, 'The Churchill Show’.

Kalonzo Musyoka’s son weds

Kelvin Muasya, son of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, wedded his lover -Machakos County CEC for Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Innovation, Sharon Nthoki, in a vibrant and glamorous affair.

Millicent Omanga’s new baby

Millicent Omanga irked Kenyans on Twitter X(KOT) following her post on social media showcasing her latest acquisition: a Range Rover.

"My new baby. Date of Birth, 2024. Ni God!" She captioned