The recent standoff between Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja and Kenya Power (KPLC) over unpaid electricity bills and wayleave fees underscores the importance of time in leadership and conflict resolution. The dramatic protest by county officials, which saw garbage being dumped outside KPLC’s headquarters at Stima Plaza, not only drew criticism but also raised fundamental questions about governance, patience, and strategic decision-making.
The genesis of the dispute dates back to 2007, when KPLC challenged Nairobi City County Government’s (NCCG) legal authority to impose wayleave fees. Over the years, tensions simmered, with Nairobi County insisting that Kenya Power owed Ksh.4.9 billion in unpaid dues, while KPLC countered with claims of unsettled electricity bills by the county. Matters escalated in June 2023, when Kenya Power announced plans to introduce Special Utility Poles for internet services, prompting Nairobi County to accuse the company of commercial expansion while evading legal obligations.
Fast-forward to July 2024, and the conflict reached a boiling point. The county’s decision to resort to waste dumping as a form of protest was met with backlash, with Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale calling out Governor Sakaja for poor leadership. Duale noted that such actions not only disrupted business but also affected the environment and residents. He criticized law enforcement for failing to intervene promptly, arguing that the police should have towed the garbage trucks and enforced order.
Time, or the mismanagement of it, played a key role in this conflict. The long-standing financial disputes could have been addressed much earlier through negotiations rather than a public showdown. As many critics, including former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, pointed out, a more diplomatic approach such as direct engagement with KPLC’s leadership would have been more effective than resorting to rash actions.
Eventually, time also proved to be the solution. A high-level meeting, convened by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, brought together Sakaja and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi to mediate the crisis. Within days, an agreement was reached: the garbage was cleared, water supply restored, and the financial disputes were set to be resolved through structured dialogue.
This incident serves as a lesson in governance: hasty, reactionary decisions often lead to public embarrassment, while measured, time-conscious approaches yield sustainable solutions. Leaders must recognize that patience, dialogue, and strategic timing are essential tools in resolving disputes without causing unnecessary chaos or reputational damage.
