A section of senators has strongly condemned the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) over what they termed as blatant disregard for constitutional provisions and persistent power disconnections that have crippled essential services in counties.
Led by Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa, alongside his Makueni, Nyandarua, and Marsabit counterparts—Dan Maanzo, John Methu, and Mohamed Chute, respectively—the senators called on the Senate to summon KPLC’s leadership to account for its actions. They argued that the company’s monopoly allows it to operate with impunity at the expense of the public.
“If left unchecked, this monopoly will continue to act without accountability, further hurting service delivery to the people of Kenya,” Karungo stated.
The senators expressed solidarity with counties demanding the settlement of outstanding wayleave fees. They noted that counties such as Mombasa, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori have suffered indiscriminate power disconnections, including at referral hospitals. They condemned KPLC for cutting power to essential health facilities, leaving patients in critical care at risk.
“It is utterly unacceptable that KPLC continues to cut off power supply to essential health facilities without due regard for the lives at stake,” Maanzo said.
The statement comes in the wake of Nairobi County’s push for KPLC to remit KSh4.9 billion in wayleave fees. However, instead of addressing the issue, KPLC allegedly sought to divert attention by portraying itself as a victim following an incident involving garbage tipping.
“For far too long, KPLC has wielded its monopolistic influence to intimidate counties, but we will not allow such impunity to continue,” the statement read.
Additionally, the senators raised concerns over unpaid electricity bills in counties such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kiambu. While acknowledging the need for counties to clear outstanding payments, they strongly opposed any unlawful disconnections by KPLC.
“The rule of law must prevail, and all disputes should be handled within the framework of lawful engagement,” they emphasised.
