NAIROBI, Kenya – Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has sharply criticized Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over his handling of a bitter standoff between the county government and Kenya Power (KPLC), calling it a display of poor leadership.
The dispute, which revolves around KPLC’s alleged failure to pay Ksh.4.9 billion in wayleave fees to the county, took an ugly turn on Monday when Nairobi County workers dumped heaps of garbage outside Stima Plaza—Kenya Power’s headquarters—in a move widely seen as a retaliatory protest.
Duale, speaking on Thursday, condemned the county’s tactics, describing the dumping of waste in a residential area as “extremely uncouth.”
He also faulted the police for failing to intervene and uphold the law.
“You can’t use the environment to sort out your issues. I think the failure during the two days was the police. They could have towed those trucks, enforced the law—it is the mandate of the police,” he said in an interview with NTV.
The CS added that his office had to step in to restore order, directing the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to clean up the mess.
The row was finally diffused on Wednesday following a high-level intervention led by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
Governor Sakaja and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi met to iron out the financial dispute, agreeing to resolve their issues through structured negotiations rather than disruptive protests.
According to Sakaja, the county and Kenya Power reached a mutual understanding—Nairobi County agreed to restore water supply and remove garbage trucks from KPLC premises, while discussions on unpaid bills and wayleave fees would continue separately.
“We agreed those commercial disputes would be resolved between Wandayi and me. If need be, the Intergovernmental Technical Relations Committee will be involved,” the governor said.
The conflict between Nairobi County and Kenya Power dates back to 2007, when KPLC disputed the county’s authority to impose wayleave fees.
Tensions escalated again in 2023 when the utility company announced plans to introduce Special Utility Poles for internet services.
Nairobi County accused KPLC of expanding commercial operations while refusing to settle outstanding dues.
This week’s dramatic episode has sparked criticism from Kenyans, with many questioning the county’s approach.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko weighed in, arguing that Sakaja should have sought a more diplomatic resolution by engaging KPLC’s CEO directly.
While the immediate standoff appears resolved, the financial wrangling between the two entities is far from over—setting the stage for further negotiations, and possibly, more controversy.
