Tensions are rising between county governments and Kenya Power over revenue from fibre optic cables mounted on power lines. Governors, led by Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali, are demanding a share of the income Kenya Power earns by leasing these cables to telecom firms, arguing that the infrastructure sits on county land via wayleaves.
Appearing before the Senate Energy Committee, Ali urged senators to compel Kenya Power to disclose earnings from the sub-leases. He said counties have been excluded from the revenue despite their land being used, and questioned why counties aren’t compensated.
Ali, who chairs the Council of Governors’ Energy Committee, also challenged KPLC’s claim that counties owe Sh4.7 billion in electricity bills, citing audit discrepancies. For instance, Machakos County saw its bill drop from Sh141 million to Sh56 million after a joint audit.
The Council of Governors accuses KPLC of failing to follow through on prior talks and joint committee plans to resolve the dispute. Senators, led by Kakamega’s Boni Khalwale, called for a compromise to avoid Senate intervention.
