President William Ruto has directed authorities to disconnect illegal electricity connections in parts of Nairobi, particularly within informal settlements, saying the practice is exploitative and deepens inequality among residents.
Speaking at State House on Tuesday, the Head of State said it is unacceptable that some neighbourhoods continue to experience unreliable or unsafe electricity supply due to unlawful connections. He noted that illegal operators often overcharge residents compared to regulated tariffs paid by other Nairobi consumers.
“It is not right that some residents in parts of Nairobi live in darkness,” Ruto said, adding that all illegal connections must be removed and replaced with proper, lawful installations. He emphasised that legal connections will ensure fair billing, safety and equal access to power across the capital.
The President stated that unauthorised power links not only endanger lives but also expose low-income households to exploitation. He called for a coordinated effort to streamline electricity supply and protect residents from unscrupulous individuals who profit from illegal distribution.
Beyond electricity concerns, Ruto sharply criticised the state of sanitation in the city, describing the Nairobi River as heavily polluted and unfit for a modern capital. He said the river’s current condition reflects years of neglect and called for urgent intervention to restore environmental standards.
Recalling promises made during the election campaign, the President said Nairobi cannot continue to be associated with poor sanitation. He questioned how the capital’s main river could effectively function as a sewer line running through the heart of the city, terming the situation unacceptable.
Ruto made the remarks during the signing of a major cooperation agreement aimed at unlocking billions of shillings for Nairobi’s urban renewal. The pact, anchored in Section 6 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, creates a formal framework for collaboration between the National Government and Nairobi City County.
