Tensions boiled on Monday when the Nairobi County Government and Kenya Power engaged in a public confrontation over outstanding financial obligations.
The dramatic standoff began when county officials, angered by electricity disconnections, barricaded the Stima Plaza company headquarters with garbage trucks and dumped refuse at the premises.
The resulting stench forced employees to evacuate, paralyzing operations throughout the day.
General Manager for Commercial and Sales, Engineer Rosemary Oduor, indicated that the matter had escalated deeply, describing the situation as unbearable.
“We have experienced disconnection of water and blockage of sewer lines, not only at Stima Plaza but also in our other Nairobi offices,” she said.
Engineer Oduor defended the disconnections, stating that Kenya Power had fruitlessly engaged City Hall for over two years.
“Customers must pay for services rendered. Nairobi County disputed part of their bills years ago but has allowed them to accumulate without payment,” she explained.
While power was restored after negotiations, Eng. Oduor expressed shock at the garbage dumping.
“We’re surprised by this move, especially since City Hall’s power was restored Friday,” she said.
In addition, she added that the county government also towed away vehicles parked around Stima Plaza, despite the owners having paid for public parking.
In a bid to counter reasons for such a drastic act, county officials claimed that Kenya Power owed them Sh4.8 billion in wayleave rental fees.
“Let it be very clear; KPLC owes us billions. They announce profits publicly, yet can’t pay their dues,” County Secretary Godfrey Akumali stated firmly.
According to City Hall, Kenya Power has ignored payment demands dating back to 2017, with the latest December 2024 notice putting arrears at Sh4.83 billion, plus Sh17 million in 2025 land rates.
Finance CEC Charles Kerich accused Kenya Power of profiting from public infrastructure without fair compensation, pointing to the company’s practice of leasing power poles to internet providers. “KPLC hosts optic cables and internet services on their poles and makes money, yet refuses to pay its debt,” Kerich argued.
The dispute traces back to 2007 when Kenya Power challenged Nairobi’s authority to impose wayleave fees. Though the High Court dismissed their petition, the company never formally filed its promised appeal, effectively stalling payments.
Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai condemned the county’s actions as “institutional terrorism,” calling for presidential intervention and accountability.
In his February 25 statement, Alai denounced the county’s actions of dumping garbage at Stima Plaza, disconnecting utilities, and towing vehicles as unprofessional, unethical, and a gross abuse of power.
“If this behavior is condoned, it would plunge society into chaos,” Alai warned.
He criticised County Secretary Akumali and Finance CEC Charles Kerich for allegedly sanctioning these actions under the Governor’s directive. He warned of dangerous precedents, questioning what would happen if other institutions like the police or prisons acted similarly during disputes.
However, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna offered a different view: “CS Wandayi assured me his ministry would pay streetlight bills as a security function. This drama is unnecessary. National Government institutions refuse to pay their fair share, including over Sh100 billion in unpaid rates owed to Nairobi alone. There’s absolutely no commitment to support devolution.”
