Governors fault Kenya Power over electricity disconnections to counties
The Council of Governors (COG) has strongly criticized Kenya Power for its continued power disconnections affecting county institutions, labelling these actions as disruptive and unfair.
In a statement issued on February 27, 2025, COG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi accused the utility provider of wielding unchecked power over county governments through abrupt disconnections that jeopardize essential services.
Abdullahi criticized KPLC’s debt collection methods, particularly highlighting the ongoing impasse with Nairobi County.
“For over a decade, KPLC has wielded unchecked power over Counties and other entities, often resorting to abrupt power disconnections without due process or consideration/ regard of the broader impact,” the statement read.
COG cited multiple instances where counties suffered service disruptions due to KPLC’s actions.
These included disconnections at Kisumu District Hospital in 2014, Mombasa General Hospital in March 2023, and several water supply installations that left residents without access to clean water.
“KPLC has a well-documented history of disconnecting power to critical County institutions, including hospitals, water installations and sewerage services, severely disrupting operations and endangering lives,” the statement read.
Double standards
The council also accused Kenya Power of double standards, arguing that the utility firm shows little concern when its disconnections affect vulnerable citizens but cries victim when counties take action against it.
“When the roles are reversed, the company swiftly assumes the position of a victim. This selective application of authority raises serious concerns about fairness and accountability. When KPLC switches off power from the County infrastructure, Counties are unable to provide service which also benefits them,” the statement added.
Additionally, the governors accused Kenya Power of owing counties billions in unpaid land rates, wayleave charges, and water bills since the inception of devolution.
“KPLC continues to disregard the advisory from the Attorney General and the provisions of Section 57 of the Physical and Land Use Planning Act 2019 which stipulates that ‘A person shall not carry out development within a County without development permission granted by the respective County Executive Committee Member in charge of Land Use Planning,” COG added.
The governors urged KPLC to resolve disputes through proper intergovernmental mechanisms rather than resorting to abrupt power cuts.
“The standoff that has been witnessed has merely exposed a fraction of the distress that countless Kenyans and institutions have endured for years due to abrupt disconnections,” COG stated.
“We urge KPLC to utilize the existing intergovernmental mechanisms to resolve any disputes with the County Governments, including the issues settlement of debt,” they added.
Attack on devolution
Beyond the electricity dispute, COG also addressed remarks made by Members of the National Assembly concerning counties’ share of the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF).
The governors dismissed these claims as misleading and an attack on devolution, emphasizing that county governments manage the majority of the country’s road network.
“The unfortunate remarks made on the floor of the House are unpatriotic, in bad taste, and in complete ignorance of our constitutional underpinnings which has assigned the roads function to both levels of Government,” the statement read.
The Council further called on Parliament to focus on aligning road sector laws with the Constitution rather than attempting to divert county funds.
“The members have abdicated their legislative mandate by delaying the enactment of the County Governments Additional Allocations Act 2024/25 and thus denying Kenyans service delivery,” COG stated.
“It is our position that the National Assembly should focus on the review and enactment of legislation in the roads sector that conforms and aligns with the Constitution 2010. This includes amendments to the Roads Act, 2007 to align with the Cabinet resolution to merge KeRRA and KURA as the two-state corporations are undertaking County functions,” COG added.
