Senators have spoken out against the ongoing conflict between Kenya Power and the Nairobi County Government, urging both entities to respect legal procedures during disagreements. At a recent press conference, lawmakers emphasized that every government institution must function according to standards of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa read a statement declaring that legal frameworks must guide the resolution of all disputes. The senators expressed concern about Kenya Power cutting electricity to essential health facilities, putting many lives at risk. They pointed out that the utility company has repeatedly disregarded constitutional requirements for cooperation between national and county governments.
The lawmakers called on the House to bring Kenya Power leadership forward to explain the continued disconnections of crucial services. They stressed the immediate need for new legislation and policy changes to better regulate Kenya Power's operations.
Senator Thang'wa highlighted that Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kiambu counties currently have the largest unpaid electricity bills. Although the senators acknowledged that counties should meet their financial obligations, they strongly criticized Kenya Power's practice of unauthorized disconnections.
Several counties, including Mombasa, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori, have experienced widespread power cuts, which have even affected referral hospitals. The senators deemed it completely unacceptable for Kenya Power to disconnect electricity from healthcare facilities without considering potential health consequences.
Thang'wa suggested county governments should implement measures to decrease electricity usage for street lighting. He recommended a shift toward solar-powered LED streetlights as a sustainable solution that would reduce financial pressure and improve energy efficiency.
The senator emphasized the current moment as crucial for permanently addressing electricity disconnection issues. He noted that hardworking citizens continue suffering disruptions that harm their daily lives and economic stability.
According to the statement, Kenya Power has long used its monopoly status to pressure counties, but the lawmakers stated firmly they would not permit such behavior to continue unchallenged.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa read a statement declaring that legal frameworks must guide the resolution of all disputes. The senators expressed concern about Kenya Power cutting electricity to essential health facilities, putting many lives at risk. They pointed out that the utility company has repeatedly disregarded constitutional requirements for cooperation between national and county governments.
The lawmakers called on the House to bring Kenya Power leadership forward to explain the continued disconnections of crucial services. They stressed the immediate need for new legislation and policy changes to better regulate Kenya Power's operations.
Senator Thang'wa highlighted that Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kiambu counties currently have the largest unpaid electricity bills. Although the senators acknowledged that counties should meet their financial obligations, they strongly criticized Kenya Power's practice of unauthorized disconnections.
Several counties, including Mombasa, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori, have experienced widespread power cuts, which have even affected referral hospitals. The senators deemed it completely unacceptable for Kenya Power to disconnect electricity from healthcare facilities without considering potential health consequences.
Thang'wa suggested county governments should implement measures to decrease electricity usage for street lighting. He recommended a shift toward solar-powered LED streetlights as a sustainable solution that would reduce financial pressure and improve energy efficiency.
The senator emphasized the current moment as crucial for permanently addressing electricity disconnection issues. He noted that hardworking citizens continue suffering disruptions that harm their daily lives and economic stability.
According to the statement, Kenya Power has long used its monopoly status to pressure counties, but the lawmakers stated firmly they would not permit such behavior to continue unchallenged.
