A dramatic standoff unfolded at Kenya Power’s Stima Plaza headquarters in Ngara, Nairobi, after Nairobi County government staff dumped heaps of garbage at the entrance in what appeared to be retaliation over a long-standing debt dispute. The enforcement action, which took place on Monday morning, significantly disrupted service delivery, leaving Kenya Power officials and customers to endure a foul stench for hours.
Kenya Power’s General Manager in charge of Commercial Services and Sales, Eng. Rosemary Oduor, confirmed that the county government owes the power utility a staggering Ksh3 billion in unpaid electricity bills. According to Oduor, Kenya Power had been engaging with the Nairobi County administration over the debt for the past two years, during which the county committed to making payments. However, the power utility has grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of resolution, leading to escalated enforcement measures.
The garbage dumping incident is believed to be a reaction to Kenya Power’s decision to disconnect electricity at Nairobi’s City Hall last week due to non-payment. The power was reportedly restored on Friday after negotiations, but the underlying financial dispute remains unresolved.
The unexpected dumping of garbage at Stima Plaza caused significant disruptions, not only affecting Kenya Power’s operations but also inconveniencing clients visiting the headquarters. Employees and visitors had to navigate through the mess and endure an unbearable smell as they sought to access the premises.
While Kenya Power has condemned the move, the Nairobi County government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. The silence from City Hall leaves questions about whether this was an official directive or a rogue act by county staff frustrated by the ongoing power disconnections.
This dramatic face-off highlights the growing financial strain faced by government institutions, with service providers struggling to recover unpaid bills. Kenya Power, in particular, has been cracking down on defaulters, including government agencies and parastatals, as it seeks to improve its financial stability.
With both entities standing their ground, it remains unclear how the dispute will be resolved. Analysts warn that such public confrontations could damage institutional relationships and further affect service delivery. As Nairobi residents and businesses watch the unfolding saga, they will be hoping for a swift resolution to prevent similar retaliatory actions in the future.
