Governors have raised concerns over what they describe as the Kenya Power and Lighting Company’s (KPLC) “unchecked power” in handling disputes with county governments.

This follows an ongoing standoff between Nairobi County and KPLC that has left essential services at risk.

In a strongly worded statement, the Council of Governors (CoG) accused KPLC of a pattern of abrupt power disconnections that have affected key county institutions such as hospitals, water facilities, and government offices.

“For over a decade, KPLC has wielded unchecked power over counties, often resorting to abrupt power disconnections without due process or consideration of the broader impact,” the CoG stated.

The CoG cited several historical cases where KPLC had disconnected power to essential county facilities, endangering lives and disrupting services.

• In 2014, Kisumu District Hospital had its power cut off, putting patients at risk.
• In March 2023, Mombasa General Hospital faced a similar situation, leaving patients vulnerable.
• Water services in Homa Bay were disrupted when power to the town’s water intake facility was disconnected.

“When KPLC switches off power to county infrastructure, it cripples essential services that also benefit them. This selective application of authority is unfair and must be addressed,” the CoG stated.

The Governors further pointed out that while KPLC is quick to disconnect power over unpaid bills, the company itself owes counties billions in unpaid land rates, wayleave charges, and water bills.

The CoG has condemned what it calls KPLC’s “perennial disruptions” and called for structured dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent power disconnections that jeopardize essential services.

“It is time for KPLC to reflect on its actions, acknowledge the suffering caused by its practices, and work towards a fair, transparent, and predictable billing and disconnection process,” the statement read.

The council also urged KPLC to respect legal provisions such as Section 57 of the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, which requires development permissions from counties before carrying out any work.

The governors have now engaged the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to find a long-term solution and are pushing for the use of intergovernmental mechanisms to settle disputes.

As the standoff between KPLC and Nairobi County continues, Kenyans remain concerned about the future of power supply to critical public services.