Airtel Kenya, Essar's Yu Telecom locked in Africa lawsuit

Airtel Kenya and Essar's Yu Telecom have filed lawsuits against each other at a court in Kenya over an alleged breach of a site lease agreement related to their African telecom operations, sources familiar with the development told ET NOW.

When contacted, Madhur Taneja, CEO , Essar Telecom Kenya confirmed the development and said, "Yu Telecom has filed a suit against Airtel Kenya in regard to enforcement of certain terms and conditions of the site lease agreement between the two parties. The matter is currently sub-judice and we would not like to comment anything further."

Essar has sought damages from Airtel Kenya while Airtel Kenya on the other hand has reportedly threatened to cut Essar Tele's connectivity and is also seeking dues. When contacted , Airtel responded saying it cannot comment as the matter is sub-judice.Sources added that the case is likely to come up for hearing later in the month of July.

Essar has over one million subscribers in Kenya according to its official website , while a report by Telegeography in January pegged Airtel Kenya's subscriber base at 4 million.