A bitter financial dispute between Nairobi County and Kenya Power has escalated into chaos, with county officials cutting fibre optic cables from Kenya Power’s utility poles, disrupting internet services for businesses, schools, and homes.
The conflict stems from an unpaid electricity bill of $23.1 million (KES 3 billion), which the county acknowledges but insists is offset by Kenya Power’s unpaid land rates, wayleave fees, and parking charges.
Hostile Standoff Escalates
Monday: County officials dumped garbage outside Kenya Power’s offices in Ngara.
Tuesday: They poured raw sewage at Kenya Power’s headquarters, blocking staff entry.
Later Tuesday: County workers vandalized fibre optic cables on Kenya Power’s poles, cutting off internet in parts of Kilimani and surrounding areas.
The Communications Authority (CA) condemned the move, warning that ICT infrastructure is under national government jurisdiction and must not be tampered with.
“Fibre optic networks are a cornerstone of Kenya’s digital economy. Any interference must follow legal and regulatory frameworks,” the CA said in a statement to TechCabal.
Kenya Power: Nairobi County’s Bill is Overdue
Kenya Power insists the electricity bill was reconciled in 2024 and was supposed to be partially paid in November 2024, but the county failed to honor its agreement.
Nairobi County counters that Kenya Power owes billions in land use, right-of-way fees, and parking charges, arguing these debts exceed its power bill.
A Parliamentary report revealed that as of November 2024, Nairobi County accounted for two-thirds of the KES 4.37 billion ($33.7 million) owed to Kenya Power by all counties—nearly triple its February 2024 debt (KES 1.35 billion/$10.4 million).
What’s Next?
With businesses and residents caught in the crossfire, pressure is mounting for a resolution. While Kenya Power has not yet signaled legal action, the Communications Authority’s warning suggests potential regulatory consequences for Nairobi County.
For now, the dispute has left Nairobi’s digital economy under siege, proving how far unresolved financial battles can spiral.