Nairobi County officials have taken drastic measures in a dispute with Kenya Power, cutting fibre optic cables and disrupting internet services to businesses, schools, and homes. The move is a response to an unpaid electricity bill of $23.1 million (KES 3 billion), which has sparked tensions and regulatory concerns.

The county government acknowledges the debt but claims Kenya Power owes it even more in unpaid land rates, wayleave fees, and parking charges. This counterclaim has stalled payments and fueled an increasingly hostile standoff. The dispute took a dramatic turn this week, with county officials dumping garbage outside Kenya Power's offices and pouring raw sewage at the company's headquarters, preventing staff from entering.

The situation escalated further when county workers vandalized fibre optic cables on Kenya Power's poles, cutting off internet access in parts of Kilimani and surrounding areas. The move drew sharp criticism from the Communications Authority (CA), which warned that ICT infrastructure is under national government jurisdiction. "Fibre optic networks are a cornerstone of Kenya's digital economy. Any interference must follow legal and regulatory frameworks," the CA said in a statement.

Kenya Power maintains that the electricity bill was reconciled in 2024 and is long overdue. The company's general manager of sales, Rosemary Oduor, stated that "we have had a long-standing issue with Nairobi County with regards to payment of their bills. We offer a service, electricity, and once we offer the service, we bill and the client should pay." However, the county government argues that Kenya Power owes billions in fees for land use, wayleave (right-of-way) charges, and vehicle parking, which exceed the power bill.

A Parliamentary report showed that as of November 2024, Nairobi accounted for over two-thirds of the $33.7 million (KES 4.37 billion) owed to Kenya Power by county governments. This highlights why the standoff has escalated, with pressure mounting for a resolution. Kenya Power hasn't indicated whether it will take legal action, but the Communications Authority's intervention suggests possible regulatory consequences for Nairobi County.

The dispute has significant implications for the digital economy, with thousands of businesses and residents affected by the internet disruptions. The situation remains unresolved, with the capital city becoming a battleground in a financial dispute that has spiralled out of control. As the standoff continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved and what regulatory measures will be taken to prevent such disruptions in the future.