Governor Sakaja, Kenya Power agree to end feud over Ksh.4.9B unpaid fees

The meeting, which brought together Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi, sought to settle commercial disputes between the two entities, emanating from over Ksh.4.9 billion in unpaid wayleave fees owed to the County by Kenya Power.

Speaking to the press outside City Hall, Sakaja explained how the situation unfolded and led to a tense relationship between the two entities. 

According to Sakaja, Kenya Power owed the county Ksh.4.9 billion in unpaid wayleave fees while at the same time, Nairobi County had unpaid electricity bills owed to the power entity. 

This led to Kenya Power turning off electricity to several county facilities on February 14, 2025, a move that was met with swift retaliation after county officials cut off water supply to Kenya Power's offices. Further, county garbage trucks were parked outside Kenya Power's offices to restrict access.   

To resolve the standoff, officials from Kenya Power, Nairobi County, the Energy Ministry and the Head of Public Service engaged in hours-long discussions in City Hall on Wednesday. 

Sakaja detailed that both parties agreed to end their wrangles and resolve the situation amicably. He noted that the county officials would restore the water supply and remove the trucks. 

Regarding the unpaid electricity bills and wayleave fees, the governor explained that the matter would be resolved separately between his office and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi. 

"We agreed those commercial disputes would be resolved between Wandayi and I. If need be, the Intergovernmental Technical Relations Committee will be involved," Sakaja stated. 

"All government institutions must adhere to development control regulations. KeNHA before doing any road must seek approval from the county government."

He added that the wrangles escalated after Kenya Power fired the first shot by turning off electricity despite an agreement established in December 2024. 

"We had meetings as recently as December and agreed on how we'd resolve our issues but when you disconnect us at will, then we're also entitled to enforce."