By Anne Nyambura
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Kenya Power have reached an agreement to resolve their long-standing financial dispute, which escalated into the county government blocking access to Kenya Power’s offices and briefly dumping garbage outside Stima Plaza.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Governor Sakaja explained that the dispute revolved around unpaid bills, with Nairobi County claiming Ksh 4.9 billion from Kenya Power, while Kenya Power had counterclaims amounting to Ksh 3 billion. A joint verification process established the actual liabilities, leading to an agreed payment plan.
Sakaja acknowledged that while counties are mandated to collect revenue to provide essential services such as road maintenance, garbage collection, and healthcare, Kenya Power also has the right to disconnect electricity for non-payment. He emphasized that under the National Rating Act 2024, county governments have the legal authority to enforce payments through measures such as restricting access to properties, clamping buildings, or removing services.
Following high-level discussions with Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, the Head of Public Service, and Kenya Power representatives, both parties agreed to de-escalate tensions. As part of the resolution, the county lifted the blockade at Stima Plaza, restored water supply, and cleared the dumped garbage within 30 minutes.
"We've resolved that all hostilities end and issues will be sorted out amicably. We have now given instructions to restore water supply to their premises and to remove the garbage that had been blocking access,” he saidSakaja reiterated that all ratepayers in Nairobi must meet their financial obligations, with a March 2025 deadline for compliance. He warned that defaulters would face penalties, lawsuits, and possible property seizures if payments were not made. He also highlighted plans to enforce strict development regulations under the Physical Land Use Planning Act 2019, ensuring entities such as Kenya Power seek county approval before infrastructure projects.
The governor expressed regret over the disruption caused to businesses and residents but emphasized the need for compliance. Moving forward, the county and national government will collaborate to prevent similar conflicts, ensuring Nairobi’s development and service delivery continue smoothly.
