Governors have raised concerns over what they describe as the Kenya Power and Lighting Company’s (KPLC) unchecked authority in handling disputes with counties, accusing the utility firm of abrupt power disconnections that threaten essential services.
The ongoing debt dispute between KPLC and Nairobi County, which led to power cuts at county offices, has fueled tensions. In response, the county staged protests by dumping garbage outside KPLC’s headquarters, clamping its vehicles, and blocking sewer lines.
In a statement, the Council of Governors (CoG) condemned KPLC’s approach to disputes, pointing to a pattern of sudden power disconnections that impact hospitals, water facilities, and county offices.
“For over a decade, KPLC has exercised unchecked power over counties, frequently resorting to abrupt disconnections without proper process or regard for the wider consequences,” the CoG stated.
The council highlighted past instances where KPLC’s actions jeopardized lives and disrupted critical services. In 2014, Kisumu District Hospital lost power, endangering patients, and in March 2023, Mombasa General Hospital faced a similar crisis.
Additionally, Homa Bay’s water supply was interrupted when power to its intake facility was cut off.
Governors also pointed out that while KPLC is quick to disconnect counties over unpaid bills, the company itself owes billions in unpaid land rates, wayleave charges, and water bills.
The CoG is now calling for structured dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent arbitrary power disconnections that compromise public services.
Nairobi county garbage collectors dumping waste outside Kenya Power offices after power was cut off.
“It is time for KPLC to reflect on its actions, recognize the harm caused, and adopt a fair, transparent, and predictable billing and disconnection process,” the governors stated.
They further urged KPLC to comply with legal provisions, such as Section 57 of the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, which mandates that counties grant development permissions before any work can proceed.
The governors have engaged the Ministry of Energy to seek a long-term solution and are advocating for intergovernmental mechanisms to resolve disputes amicably.
