In a dramatic turn of events, Nairobi County officials resorted to unconventional measures to address a prolonged power outage affecting critical services. Frustrated by the lack of response from the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), the county dispatched a garbage truck to KPLC’s headquarters as a form of protest.
The power disruption had severely impacted operations at City Hall Annex, leaving the building without electricity for over a week. This outage not only hampered daily administrative functions but also posed significant challenges to staff and residents relying on county services.
The decision to send a garbage truck to KPLC’s offices was symbolic, aiming to highlight the county’s dissatisfaction with the utility provider’s handling of the situation. This act underscored the escalating tensions between Nairobi County and KPLC, especially concerning unresolved debts and service delivery issues.
In December 2021, KPLC disconnected power to Nairobi County’s headquarters over an outstanding debt of KSh 1.5 billion, leading to significant operational disruptions.
The recent protest with the garbage truck reflects the county’s growing impatience with recurring power issues and the perceived lack of prompt action from KPLC. It also brings to light the broader challenges faced by urban centers in ensuring reliable utility services amidst financial and administrative constraints.
As Nairobi continues to grapple with infrastructure and service delivery challenges, such incidents emphasize the need for improved communication and collaboration between county administrations and utility providers to prevent similar occurrences in the future.