By Elvis Lagat
Nairobi County Governor, Arthur Johnson Sakaja, has addressed the ongoing dispute between the Nairobi County Government and Kenya Power (KPLC), offering clarity on the tensions that have been escalating between the two entities.
The conflict, which has spanned for some time, revolves around claims of unpaid bills and actions taken by both sides. Sakaja explained that the county government had resorted to certain legal remedies in response to Kenya Power’s alleged failure to settle payments. He emphasized that similar to how KPLC disconnects power when payments are overdue, the county government is also empowered to take actions such as withholding county services and clamping buildings.
"There has been a long-standing issue with payments, which used to be settled in the past. The same way KPLC cuts power when there is non-payment, the county government also has remedies provided by law," Sakaja stated, referring to the recently enacted Nairobi Rating Act.
The escalating tensions have led to accusations from Kenya Power, which claims the county government cut off their water supply and dumped garbage in front of their offices. In retaliation, the county government blames KPLC for disconnecting electricity.
Governor Sakaja stressed the need for peace and resolution, stating, “The first thing we have resolved is that all hostilities must end, and issues should be sorted amicably. We have given instructions for water to be supplied and for the trucks to be removed.”
He clarified that the situation should not have reached this level, but it was prompted by the ongoing disregard the county government felt from Kenya Power. Sakaja specifically addressed the issue of garbage being dumped, noting that while one of the trucks did tip garbage, the matter was quickly resolved, and the garbage was cleared in under 30 minutes.
Furthermore, Sakaja strongly dismissed Kenya Power’s claims that Nairobi County owes the company over KSh 3 billion in unpaid electricity bills, stating that the county government itself is owed over KSh 4 billion by Kenya Power.
"We are actively seeking a solution, and we have scheduled a meeting to bring both parties together to resolve the matter," the Governor confirmed.
In his remarks, Sakaja also shared that a recent meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Energy, the Head of Public Service, and other officials had been productive. He assured that a joint statement would soon be issued to clarify the resolutions and the way forward.
While the dispute has caused disruptions, both parties now seem committed to resolving the matter amicably, with hopes that the tensions will subside in the coming days.
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