Kenya Power Disconnects Nairobi City Council Over Unpaid Bill

Tensions Escalate in Nairobi as Kenya Power Disconnects City Council Over Unpaid Bill

Nairobi, Kenya – Tensions have flared in Nairobi following a power cut imposed on the Nairobi City Council by Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) due to an outstanding debt of KSh 3 billion (over KSh 60 billion Tanzanian shillings). The cut-off has triggered a dramatic response from the City Council, which retaliated by dumping waste outside KPLC offices and also halting water supply and sewage services at Stima Plaza, Kenya Power’s business hub.

The dispute, which has escalated in recent days, centers around the City Council’s failure to settle its electricity bill. Kenya Power’s Commercial Services Manager, Rosemary Oduor, expressed strong disapproval of the City Council’s actions, calling them unjustified. Oduor criticized the City Council for not adhering to agreements to pay its monthly electricity bills, underscoring that these revenues are critical for the continuation of essential services.

In response, the Nairobi City Government pointed out that Kenya Power itself is in arrears with the City Council, with unpaid infrastructure fees (wayleave fees) totaling KSh 4.8 billion (around KSh 97 billion Tanzanian shillings). Nairobi’s Acting Secretary, Godfrey Akumali, accused Kenya Power of neglecting its legal obligations, including the payment of infrastructure fees and land taxes, leading to significant financial losses for the City Council.

Akumali further stated that the City Council's aggressive measures were the last resort to compel Kenya Power to clear its debts, warning that similar actions would be taken against any entity failing to settle their dues.

Meanwhile, Charles Kerich, a member of the County's Finance and Planning Committee, condemned Kenya Power’s tactics, accusing the company of manipulating public perception by portraying itself as the victim. Kerich emphasized that despite multiple communications from the City Council, Kenya Power has consistently evaded paying the outstanding infrastructure fees.

Kerich also criticized Kenya Power for causing unnecessary confusion, shifting the focus away from its financial obligations. He pointed out that telecommunications companies, which previously paid the infrastructure fees to the City Council for underground cable installation, have ceased payments after shifting their operations to use Kenya Power’s poles for service distribution.

The ongoing dispute reflects the mounting financial strain between key public entities in Nairobi, underscoring the challenges of managing urban infrastructure and service delivery.