Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa flanked by other senators speaks during a press conference at Parliament Buildings.Senators have condemned the confrontation between Kenya Power and Nairobi County Government and urged respect for the rule of during disputes.
Addressing a press conference, the senators said all government institutions, including Kenya Power, must operate within the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
“The rule of law must prevail, and all disputes should be handled within the framework of lawful engagement,” the lawmakers said in a statement read by Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa.
The lawmakers said it is unacceptable that Kenya Power continues to cut off power supply to essential health facilities without due regard for the lives at stake.
They stated that Kenya Power has consistently ignored constitutional provisions requiring cooperation between the national and county governments.
“We call upon the House to summon Kenya Power leadership to provide an account of its continued disconnections of essential services,” the statement read.
The lawmakers emphasised the need for urgent legislative and policy interventions to regulate Kenya Power’s operations.
Thangwa further said they have noted with concern that Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kiambu counties lead in unpaid electricity bills.
“While we acknowledge the need for counties to settle their obligations, we strongly condemn any move by Kenya Power to resort to illegal disconnections,” he said.
He noted that counties such as Mombasa, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori have faced indiscriminate power disconnections, including at referral hospitals
“It is utterly unacceptable that Kenya Power continues to cut off power supply to essential health facilities without due regard for the lives at stake,” he stated.
Thang’wa said county governments must adopt cost-cutting measures to reduce electricity consumption in street lighting.
“We urge counties to transition to solar-powered light-emitting diode (LED) streetlights as a sustainable alternative that will ease the financial burden and enhance energy efficiency,” he stated.
“This is the time to address the issue of electricity disconnections once and for all.”
The senator said it unacceptable that hardworking citizens continue to endure these disruptions, which negatively impact their livelihoods and economic stability.
For far too long, KPLC has wielded its monopolistic influence to intimidate counties, but we will not allow such impunity to continue.
