Sakaja Clarifies Nairobi City Council’s Measures Against KPLC

During a phone interview on Radio Jambo with hosts Gidi and Ghost, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja addressed the controversy surrounding the City Council’s actions against KPLC.

Sakaja explained that the county had an agreement with KPLC to settle its debt in installments, paying Ksh100 million monthly. While payments were occasionally delayed due to delayed disbursements from the National Government, they were always made.

However, after a one-week delay, KPLC disconnected power to county offices, leaving them in a blackout for an entire week. Sakaja described the embarrassment this caused, particularly during a meeting with over 15 international mayors, who could hear the generators running non-stop.

“The mayors could hear the generator running full-time while we were discussing climate change and global warming—it was ironic,” he remarked.

Sakaja cited the National Rating Act, which prohibits cutting off essential government services like water, electricity, and sewage. In response, he ordered power and sewerage disconnections at KPLC offices and deployed vehicles to block their premises.

Regarding reports of garbage being dumped at KPLC offices, Sakaja clarified that this was not part of his plan but an emotional reaction from workers. However, the waste was cleared within 30 minutes.

He revealed that a meeting is set to take place with the Head of Public Service, the Inspector General, and KPLC representatives to resolve the issue.

“KPLC also owes us over Ksh3 billion, and they don’t seem keen on paying. Meanwhile, the County Government has numerous obligations—people need roads, water, and school meals. Where is the money supposed to come from?” Sakaja questioned.