Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi //Photo Courtesy
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has stepped in to mediate the growing standoff between Kenya Power and the Nairobi County Government.
The dispute escalated when the county allegedly blocked sewer lines, causing raw sewage to flow outside Kenya Power’s Nairobi CBD offices.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Energy on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Wandayi dismissed reports that the utility firm owed the county any money. He stated that he had engaged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to de-escalate the situation and restore normalcy.
“I engaged with Governor Sakaja yesterday to stop the escalation of the matter and restore normalcy as we explore ways of resolving the matter amicably,” Wandayi said.
He also refuted claims that Kenya Power had unpaid wayleave charges, citing the Energy Act of 2019.
“No public body shall charge levies on public energy infrastructure without the consent of the Cabinet Secretary in writing. As we speak, there is no such consent,” he emphasized.
The dispute reportedly began after Kenya Power disconnected electricity to county offices over an alleged Ksh3 billion unpaid debt. However, the county’s Finance Director disputed this claim. In retaliation, the county blocked sewer lines leading to Kenya Power’s premises, causing raw sewage to spill into the utility company’s property.
National Assembly Energy Committee Chair Vincent Musyoka condemned the county’s actions, describing them as criminal. He urged counties to fulfill their financial obligations to Kenya Power without resorting to retaliatory measures.
“Disconnect everyone who is not paying bills, even if it means disconnecting governors’ offices. This committee is committed to supporting you in this course,” Musyoka declared.
The committee has demanded an apology from Nairobi County and called on the Ministry of Energy to ensure that all consumers, including public institutions, pay their electricity bills as required.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) also weighed in, ordering the county government to remove garbage trucks stationed outside Kenya Power’s offices.
“The actions of the county government violate environmental laws. The garbage trucks must be removed immediately as they pose a health risk to the public,” said NEMA’s Environmental Education Director, Ayub Macharia.
Waste dumped by Nairobi City County following the brawl of who owes who
The standoff has raised concerns over governance and service delivery in Nairobi, with stakeholders urging both parties to engage in dialogue to prevent further disruptions affecting businesses and residents.
Leave a comment