PS Muthoni Requests Urgent Action on Illegal Waste Dumping Crisis at Kenya Power Headquarters

A public health crisis has emerged at Kenya Power’s Stima Plaza headquarters due to illegal waste dumping resulting from a dispute with Nairobi County. Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has called for immediate police and National Environmental Authority intervention, citing severe health risks. The conflict includes financial disagreements over unpaid fees, leading to retaliation through service disconnections. The situation threatens to cause significant public health issues, prompting inquiries by the Director of Public Prosecutions and condemnation from political leaders.

A public health crisis is emerging at Stima Plaza amidst a conflict between Nairobi City County and Kenya Power, which has led to unlawful waste dumping, forcing the power company to cease operations. Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary for Public Health, has called for the immediate involvement of law enforcement and the National Environmental Authority (NEMA) to address the grave environmental and health dangers associated with this situation.

The conflict escalated when Nairobi County purportedly dumped waste at the entrance of Kenya Power’s offices as a retaliatory measure for a Sh4.8 billion debt related to unpaid wayleave fees. The county also severed water supply to Kenya Power and impounded multiple company and personal vehicles. In retaliation, Kenya Power disconnected electricity to several county facilities on February 14, 2025. Governor Johnson Sakaja confirmed that Nairobi County also owes outstanding electricity bills to Kenya Power, highlighting the financial dispute between the two entities.

The accumulation of waste has led to a pervasive foul odor, resulting in the complete shutdown of Kenya Power’s offices as employees are now compelled to work remotely. Muthoni has issued warnings about the imminent risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid, and has expressed concerns regarding respiratory problems resulting from exposure to the waste’s smell. She has called on county health officials to swiftly remove the waste to mitigate these health risks.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has initiated an investigation into the actions of both Nairobi County and Kenya Power due to the public safety concerns surrounding this crisis. Deputy DPP Jacinta Nyamosi stated that the incident has caused significant public anxiety and is a pressing matter of public interest. In addition, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has decried the incident, summoning Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to Parliament for an explanation regarding the police’s inaction in addressing the situation.

Wetangula criticized this “wild-waste behavior” as unacceptable and unrepresentative of Kenya, urging for an immediate resolution to the crisis.

The ongoing crisis resulting from the illegal waste dumping at Kenya Power’s offices underscores urgent public health concerns and highlights the need for prompt action from authorities. As the situation escalates due to retaliatory measures between Kenya Power and Nairobi City County, it is crucial for relevant health officials and law enforcement to intervene effectively to prevent further public health risks. The matter has also garnered political attention, emphasizing its significance on a broader scale.

Original Source: mwakilishi.com