diff --git a/pisi/api.py b/pisi/api.py
index d8b48170..5329dcdc 100644
--- a/pisi/api.py
+++ b/pisi/api.py
@@ -426,6 +426,20 @@ def get_takeback_plan(operation):
     beinstalled, beremoved, configs = pisi.operations.history.plan_takeback(operation)
     return beinstalled, beremoved
 
+@locked
+def set_repo_activity(name, active):
+    """
+    Changes the activity status of a  repository. Inactive repositories will have no effect on
+    upgrades and installs.
+    @param name: name of the repository
+    @param active: the new repository status
+    """
+    repodb = pisi.db.repodb.RepoDB()
+    if active:
+        repodb.activate_repo(name)
+    else:
+        repodb.deactivate_repo(name)
+
 @locked
 def delete_cache():
     """