Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has finally addressed the ongoing financial dispute between the Nairobi County Government and Kenya Power after their feud played out in public earlier this week.
Speaking at a press conference, Sakaja declared an end to the dispute, stating that an amicable solution had been reached following a meeting with Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
According to Sakaja, the issue has persisted for years, with the county government claiming KSh 4.9 billion from Kenya Power, while Kenya Power had counterclaims amounting to KSh3 billion against the county.
"We've had a fruitful meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Energy, the Head of Public Service, and other officers, and we agreed on several issues. A joint statement will be issued to clarify the matters we have resolved," Sakaja said.
The governor added: "The first thing we have resolved is that all hostilities must end, and issues should be sorted amicably. We have given instructions for water to be supplied and for the trucks to be removed."
Addressing the dumping of garbage outside Kenya Power offices, Sakaja described the incident as "unfortunate" and vowed to handle the matter internally.
"It was unfortunate that one of the trucks tipped garbage, which is why it was collected in less than 30 minutes. That matter will be dealt with internally," he added.
His remarks followed a dramatic 48 hours in the city, during which Nairobi County sparked controversy by sending two garbage trucks to Stima Plaza.
Despite condemning the act, Sakaja maintained that the county government had the authority to take action against Kenya Power. He argued that just as Kenya Power disconnects electricity over unpaid bills, the county government also has legal remedies.
"There has been a long-standing issue with payments, which used to be settled in the past. The same way KPLC cuts power when there is non-payment, the county government also has remedies provided by law. Some of these actions include withdrawing county services and clamping buildings," Sakaja explained, citing the recently enacted Nairobi Rating Act.
The county government has claimed KSh 4.9 billion from Kenya Power, while KPLC has counterclaims amounting to KSh 3 billion.
According to Sakaja, a verification exercise over the past year was undertaken and it was determined that some metres which were included by KPLC were not in Nairobi. A payment plan was then agreed upon.
Meanwhile, the utility company and some of its affiliates have a case at the court against the Nairobi county government under a certificate of urgency arguing that the basic rights of their residents were abused after the county's act of dumping waste and raw sewage in front of their office building.
