Nairobi, February 24- A tense standoff unfolded outside Kenya Power’s headquarters, Stima Plaza, in Nairobi on Monday morning, following what the company described as a retaliatory move by the Nairobi County Government.
The confrontation began after county officials allegedly blocked a sewer line, causing waste to spill into Kenya Power’s premises. This action was reportedly taken in response to the power distributor disconnecting electricity supply to county offices due to an outstanding debt.
Images and videos showed garbage trucks, allegedly from the county government, obstructing entryways to Stima Plaza. Large heaps of waste were also dumped at the building’s entrance, further escalating tensions.
In a press briefing, Kenya Power’s management revealed that several company vehicles had also been clamped by county officers over claims of unpaid parking fees. The dispute stems from the county’s failure to settle an electricity bill amounting to Ksh3.1 billion, leading Kenya Power to cut off electricity supply to several government offices.
In retaliation, Nairobi County reportedly cut water supply to major offices in the city and blocked sewer lines affecting Kenya Power’s facilities.
Kenya Power’s General Manager for Commercial Services and Sales, Rosemary Oduor, stated that the dispute dates back two years, during which the county government had committed to resolving the outstanding payments but failed to do so.
“This morning, we were going about our work when suddenly county government trucks arrived. One of them dumped garbage right in front of our offices, and several others remain on standby,” Oduor said.
She added that discussions had been ongoing for years to resolve the payment issue, but no progress had been made.
Employees arriving for work on Monday were met with the chaotic scene, forced to watch as the dispute played out outside their offices.
