Authorities have dismantled an illegal private electricity distribution hub operating near the National Archives in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The crackdown has revealed a deeper network of urban crime and infrastructure sabotage.
The illicit station was allegedly tapping into Kenya Power lines and illegally reselling electricity to nearby shop owners while tampering with street lighting and CCTV systems — a disruption blamed for rising insecurity in parts of the city centre.
A manhunt is now underway for the main suspect said to be behind the rogue operation.
In response, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, in collaboration with the National Police Service and Kenya Power, has unveiled a joint security and infrastructure recovery plan aimed at restoring order and safety in the CBD.
The plan includes securing power feed points, fast-tracking street lamp replacements, and deploying armed escorts to protect utility crews operating in high-risk zones.
“Over the weekend, several suspects were apprehended, and investigations are ongoing,” Sakaja said.
“Let this be a warning — Nairobi will not be a safe haven for criminals.”
Large sections of the CBD, including Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, Tom Mboya Monument, and the Mama Ngina/Moi Avenue junction, have faced repeated blackouts and rising crime due to vandalism, illegal connections, and violent attacks on maintenance workers.
Only one of three power phases remains functional at some key intersections, raising fears of a total blackout if interventions are delayed.
Beyond enforcement, the County is ramping up preventive measures, including the installation of alternative power supplies, public awareness campaigns, and closer collaboration with businesses to improve surveillance and community reporting.
“We are calling upon the business community to stand with us,” the Governor urged.
“Installing CCTV cameras and sharing intelligence will help us identify, track, and neutralise offenders more swiftly.”
Sakaja also made a public appeal to the national government for additional support to plug funding shortfalls in the ongoing urban restoration efforts.
Authorities warn that without urgent investment and cooperation, the city's power and security systems could spiral into deeper crisis.
