By Anne Nyambura
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has directed the Nairobi City County Government to immediately remove heaps of garbage dumped outside Kenya Power’s Stima Plaza, escalating tensions between the two entities.
The dispute stems from a financial standoff between Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and the Nairobi County Government. KPLC claims the county owes it Ksh 3 billion in unpaid electricity bills, while the county government insists Kenya Power must first settle Ksh 4.8 billion in wayleave fees.
Amid this row, county officials allegedly dumped large piles of uncollected waste at Stima Plaza on Monday, disrupting operations at the power utility’s in Ngara. The foul smell forced partial paralysis of services for the second consecutive day, affecting employees and visitors.
NEMA’s Enforcement Director, Dr. Ayub Macharia, visited the site and condemned the county government’s actions as unlawful and hazardous to public health.
He ordered the County to clear garbage at Stima Plaza, relocate waste trucks, and license them, warning of legal action for non-compliance with environmental regulations.
Dr. Macharia also warned of legal consequences should the county fail to comply with the environmental regulations.
"This kind of action endangers public health and is unacceptable. The county government must act immediately to clean up the mess, or face legal repercussions," he stated.The garbage dumping incident is the latest escalation in the financial feud between Kenya Power and the Nairobi County Government. While both entities remain locked in the dispute over billions in unpaid dues, residents and businesses continue to suffer the consequences.
