Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi now says he has engaged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over the escalating brawl between the county government and Kenya Power.
This comes even as the brawl enters the second day, with raw sewage flowing outside Kenya Power’ Nairobi CBD offices after the county government blocked the utility firm’s sewer lines.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Energy on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Wandayi dismissed reports that the utility firm owed the county government any amount of money.
“I engaged with Governor Sakaja yesterday to stop the escalation of the matter and restore normalcy as we explore ways of resolving the matter amicably,” he said.
He further dismissed claims of unpaid wayleaves, stating that such charges are illegal under the Energy Act of 2019.
“No public body shall charge levies on public energy infrastructure without the consent of the Cabinet Secretary in writting. As we speak, there is no such consent,” he emphasized.
Committee Chair Vincent Musyoka condemned the county’s actions, describing them as criminal.
He urged counties to fulfill their financial obligations to Kenya Power without resorting to retaliatory measures.
“Disconnect everyone who is not paying bills, even if it means disconnecting governors’ offices. This committee is committed to supporting you in this course,” he declared.
The committee has demanded an apology from the Nairobi County government for its actions and advised the Ministry of Energy to remain steadfast in ensuring that all consumers, including public institutions, pay their electricity bills as required.
The action by Kenya Power prompted the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to order the Nairobi City County to remove the garbage trucks stationed at the premises of KPLC in Nairobi.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, NEMA’s Environmental Education director, Ayub Macharia, said that the retaliatory measures by City Hall violate environmental laws.
Macharia further noted that the neighboring residents and businesses have been unfairly affected by the bad smell coming from the garbage trucks.
“The smell does not respect boundaries. There are residential houses around here, there are eateries, some hotels, and some business premises that are affected. Although we heard of a conflict, other parties who are not part of the conflict are also being affected. That is why we have come here to uphold the rule of law. What we are doing now as NEMA is issuing an order to the Nairobi County government to do three things, and one of them is to ensure that those vehicles are removed from these sites. This is not a waste disposal site,” he said.
Francis Muli
Francis Muli is a passionate digital journalist with over seven years of experience in crafting compelling stories across various platforms. His major focus is in business, politics and current affairs. He brings a keen eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering the truth.
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