'Fanya Kazi, acha Drama!' Sonko Tells Sakaja over trash dumping in KPLC feud

The conflict escalated dramatically on Monday when the County Council dumped piles of garbage outside Stima Plaza, the utility company's headquarters, in an apparent act of protest.

This followed reports that KPLC had turned oaff power to several county offices due to outstanding debts.

Sonko criticized the County Council's approach, claiming that Governor Johnson Sakaja should have sought a more diplomatic solution by scheduling a meeting with KPLC's CEO and formally presenting the county's grievances.

He recalled facing similar challenges at KPLC during his tenure, but emphasized that he never used disruptive tactics.

“Dumping waste outside Stima Plaza does not punish KPLC alone — the building houses other private offices. This act exposes the residents of Ngara to health risks like cholera,” Sonko said

The former governor revealed that his strategy for resolving unpaid bill disputes included directly targeting KPLC's assets.

“When we had issues, we would clamp or tow their vehicles — but we never endangered the public,” he explained.

Sonko warned that if KPLC retaliated by cutting power to critical county-run facilities such as Mama Lucy and Pumwani hospitals, the situation could spiral out of control.

“If KPLC switches off electricity to hospitals, the lives of Nairobi residents will be at risk. This kind of brinkmanship is reckless and irresponsible,” he cautioned.

He urged Governor Sakaja to prioritize settling the county's debts with KPLC, even if it meant implementing a staggered payment plan.

“Focus on working for the people of Nairobi without engaging in unnecessary drama that disrupts public services and endangers lives,” Sonko advised.

The dispute dates back to 2007, when Kenya Power challenged NCCG’s legal authority to impose wayleave fees.

The High Court dismissed Kenya Power's petition, prompting the company to seek relief from the Court of Appeal. However, no formal appeal has been filed, effectively stalling payments.

Investigations reveal that as of January 2025, several ISPs—including Safaricom, Jamii Telecommunications, Wananchi Group, and MTN Business (K) Limited—have leased infrastructure from Kenya Power, generating significant revenue for the power firm.

Nairobi County argues that while Kenya Power profits from these leases, it contributes nothing for using county land, depriving the city of rightful revenue.

The controversy deepened in June 2023, when Kenya Power announced plans to introduce Special Utility Poles for internet services. The county now contends that Kenya Power is expanding commercial operations while refusing to pay its legally mandated wayleave fees.