Nairobi County officials have dismantled an illegal electricity supply hub near the National Archives, exposing a network of power theft and public infrastructure tampering in the CBD.
Investigators say the hub drew power from Kenya Power lines and sold it to traders while interfering with streetlights and security cameras, contributing to persistent darkness and a rise in crime incidents targeting businesses and pedestrians. The main suspect is currently on the run as police pursue him.
Governor Johnson Sakaja, in collaboration with Kenya Power and the National Police Service, has launched a coordinated programme to restore electricity and improve security. Measures include protecting power points, fast-tracking replacement of damaged streetlights, and deploying armed escorts for workers in high-risk areas.
“Over the weekend, several suspects were apprehended, and investigations are ongoing. Let this be a warning, Nairobi will not be a haven for criminals,” Sakaja said on Monday.
Frequent outages and rising insecurity have affected key CBD areas, including Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, the Tom Mboya Monument, and the Mama Ngina/Moi Avenue junction. Officials warn that only one power phase remains operational at some intersections, raising the risk of a complete blackout.
The County has also rolled out preventive measures such as backup power provision, awareness campaigns, and engagement with traders to report illegal activities.
“We are calling upon the business community to stand with us. Installing CCTV cameras and sharing intelligence will help identify and neutralise offenders swiftly,” the Governor appealed.
Sakaja urged the national government to provide additional resources to sustain ongoing urban recovery projects, warning that without immediate support, Nairobi’s electricity and security systems could face a deeper crisis.
