In Nairobi County, a dispute has arisen between county officials and Kenya Power over an unpaid electricity bill amounting to $23.1 million (KES 3 billion). This disagreement has resulted in fiber optic cables being cut from Kenya Power’s utility poles, causing disruptions in internet services for various establishments and residents.
The county government acknowledges the outstanding bill but claims that Kenya Power also owes substantial amounts in unpaid land rates, wayleave fees, and parking charges. This counterclaim has led to a deadlock in payments and escalated tensions between the two parties.
Recent events have seen county officials taking drastic actions like dumping garbage and pouring raw sewage outside Kenya Power’s offices, along with vandalizing fiber optic cables on the utility poles. This has resulted in internet outages in specific areas, intensifying the conflict.
The Communications Authority has weighed in on the situation, emphasizing that ICT infrastructure falls under national government jurisdiction and any interference should adhere to legal and regulatory frameworks.
Kenya Power asserts that the Nairobi County electricity bill was reconciled in 2024 and is long overdue, despite previous agreements for payment. Conversely, the county government argues that Kenya Power owes significant amounts in various fees, surpassing the electricity bill and transforming the dispute into a matter of outstanding balances.
With pressure mounting for a resolution and businesses and residents facing disruptions, the possibility of regulatory consequences for Nairobi County has been hinted at by the Communications Authority. The situation underscores how a financial disagreement has escalated into widespread disruptions affecting many.