Senators have strongly criticized Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) over its confrontational approach towards county governments, accusing the utility of disregarding devolution and operating without accountability.
Speaking in Nairobi, the lawmakers expressed concern over KPLC’s recent dispute with Nairobi County, which had demanded the settlement of outstanding wayleave fees amounting to KSh 4.9 billion.
Instead of addressing the debt, the senators argued, KPLC attempted to deflect attention by portraying itself as a victim following an isolated garbage-dumping incident.
“For far too long, KPLC has wielded its monopolistic influence to intimidate counties. We will not allow this impunity to continue,” the senators said in a joint statement.
They highlighted how multiple counties—including Mombasa, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori—have suffered indiscriminate power disconnections, even at essential facilities such as referral hospitals.
“It is utterly unacceptable that Kenya Power continues to cut off electricity to hospitals, endangering patients in critical care who rely on life-support equipment,” the senators stated.
While acknowledging that counties must settle their electricity bills, they condemned KPLC’s frequent disconnections as illegal and urged for lawful dispute resolution. They also encouraged counties to adopt solar-powered LED street lighting to reduce costs and enhance sustainability, citing Kiambu County’s successful transition to solar energy for public lighting.
Additionally, the senators criticized the national government for installing street lights through the Ministry of Energy but leaving counties to foot the bills.
“This is a matter that must be addressed. It is the national government imposing these costs on county governments,” they noted.The lawmakers also emphasized the widespread frustration among citizens over frequent electricity disconnections, which disrupt businesses and damage electrical appliances. They called for urgent action to find a long-term solution.
“The Senate will summon KPLC’s leadership to explain its continued disconnections of essential services and its persistent lack of accountability,” they declared.They further accused KPLC of failing to respect constitutional provisions requiring cooperation between national and county governments. “If left unchecked, this monopoly will continue to act with impunity, undermining service delivery to Kenyans.”
As part of their proposed interventions, the senators urged Parliament to consider legislative measures to break KPLC’s monopoly, arguing that its unchecked power has led to systemic inefficiencies and frustrations across the country.
“Our role as the Senate is to protect devolution, and we will not allow national government agencies to encroach on county functions,” they asserted.The senators concluded by demanding that both KPLC and the Cabinet Secretary for Energy appear before the Senate to account for their actions, emphasizing that the protection of essential services, particularly in hospitals and public security infrastructure, must be a priority.
