Senators condemn Kenya Power over unpaid wayleave fees, power cuts to counties

Led by Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa, alongside Makueni’s Dan Maanzo, Nyandarua’s John Methu, and Marsabit’s Mohamed Chute, the Senators condemned Kenya Power’s continued confrontational approach towards counties, particularly its failure to settle outstanding wayleave fees.

This comes after Nairobi County demanded the settlement of unpaid wayleave fees amounting to Ksh 4-9 billion. However, instead of addressing the issue, Kenya Power has “sought to deflect attention by portraying itself as a victim, following an isolated incident involving garbage tipping,” the Senators stated.

“For far too long, KPLC has wielded its monopolistic influence to intimidate counties, but we will not allow such impunity to continue,” they asserted.

The Senators pointed out that several counties, including Mombasa, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori, have faced indiscriminate power disconnections—some at referral hospitals, endangering the lives of critically ill patients.

“It is utterly unacceptable that KPLC continues to cut off power supply to essential health facilities without due regard for the lives at stake. Patients in critical care, relying on life-support equipment, are left vulnerable while KPLC turns a blind eye,” they stated.

Additionally, the lawmakers noted that Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kiambu counties rank highest in unpaid electricity bills. While they acknowledged the importance of counties settling their obligations, they condemned Kenya Power’s practice of illegal disconnections.

“The rule of law must prevail, and all disputes should be handled within the framework of lawful engagement,” they emphasized.

To address the rising costs of electricity, the Senators urged county governments to explore cost-cutting measures such as transitioning to solar-powered LED streetlights to enhance energy efficiency.

The Senators also expressed concern over the impact of power disconnections on ordinary Kenyans, noting that businesses have suffered losses and household appliances have been damaged due to unreliable electricity supply.

“It is unacceptable that hardworking citizens continue to endure these disruptions, which negatively impact their livelihoods and economic stability. Urgent action is needed to bring a lasting solution to this persistent problem,” they stated.

Accusing Kenya Power of ignoring constitutional provisions requiring cooperation between national and county governments, the Senators called for legislative and policy interventions to regulate the company’s operations.

“Accordingly, we call upon this House to summon KPLC leadership to provide an account of its continued disconnections of essential services and its persistent lack of accountability. If left unchecked, this monopoly will continue to act with impunity, at the expense of service delivery to the people of Kenya,” they declared.

“We further emphasize the need for urgent legislative and policy interventions to regulate KPLC’s operations and ensure fair treatment of county governments. It is imperative that we establish clear legal mechanisms to prevent arbitrary disconnections and promote a cooperative approach to service delivery. Counties should not have to plead for fairness in their engagements with KPLC,” they added.

The Senators reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in all government institutions, warning that they will take all necessary steps to hold Kenya Power responsible and protect the interests of county governments and the public.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that all government institutions, including KPLC, operate within the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. We shall take all necessary measures to hold KPLC accountable and uphold the tenets of devolution, ensuring efficient and reliable power supply for all Kenyans,” they concluded.