Kenya Power Headquarters Stormed by Nairobi City County Officials Amid KShs. 3 Billion Debt Dispute
A dramatic standoff unfolded this morning at Kenya Power’s headquarters, Stima Plaza, when Nairobi City County officials, accompanied by armed National Police officers, forcefully entered the premises, blocking access to customers and staff.
In an unprecedented move, the county officers dumped a truckload of garbage at the main entrance while positioning two additional waste-filled trucks to obstruct three other entry points.
Furthermore, they clamped and towed ten Kenya Power vehicles and several personal cars belonging to customers and staff, despite the fact that parking fees had been duly paid to the county government.
The confrontation escalated as several Kenya Power employees were harassed and arrested, with reports indicating that some sustained injuries during the altercation.
Kenya Power has strongly condemned the county government’s actions, attributing the dispute to an outstanding debt of KShs. 3 billion owed by Nairobi City County.
The utility company provided a detailed account of the issue, noting that the debt had surged by KShs. 1.3 billion over the past two years despite multiple engagements to resolve the matter.
According to Kenya Power, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, during a meeting at Stima Plaza in December 2024, committed to making monthly payments of KShs. 60 million towards the old debt and an additional KShs. 50 million for current bills.
However, in January 2025, the county only paid KShs. 36 million far short of the KShs. 330 million required to cover bills from November 2024 through January 2025.Following unsuccessful attempts to recover the funds, Kenya Power disconnected power supply to several county facilities on February 14, 2025, as per the Energy Act 2019. In response, the county government pledged a payment of KShs. 133 million on February 21, 2025, leading to the restoration of electricity.
However, later that evening, officials from the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, reportedly acting on county government orders, disconnected water supply to Stima Plaza and several other Kenya Power facilities, despite there being no outstanding water bills. Sewer lines at Stima Plaza and Electricity House were also blocked.
In light of these developments, Kenya Power has expressed deep concern over what it terms as unethical, unprofessional, and unlawful actions by Nairobi City County.
The company maintains that its operations are governed by legal frameworks, including the Energy Act 2019, which mandates fair dispute resolution mechanisms.
Regarding claims that Kenya Power owes the county money for wayleaves charges, the company referenced Section 223 of the Energy Act, which states that “No public body shall charge levies on public energy infrastructure without the consent of the Cabinet Secretary in writing.
Emphasizing the importance of timely bill payments for sustaining the energy sector, Kenya Power urged all customers, including government entities, to fulfill their financial obligations to avoid disruptions that could impact the entire economy.
This latest standoff marks a significant escalation in the dispute between Kenya Power and Nairobi City County, raising concerns over governance and financial accountability in public service delivery.
