Kenya Power building in Nairobi CBD. PHOTO: Kenya Power
In Summary:
- The National Assembly’s Energy Committee has expressed concern over high electricity costs in Kenya.
- The committee is pushing for a review of power levies and renegotiation with Independent Power Producers to lower prices.
The National Assembly’s Energy Committee recently questioned energy sector officials about the high cost of electricity in Kenya. They directed relevant entities to reconsider the high levies on power bills to reduce prices.
Energy Committee Chair Vincent Musyoka pointedly asked, “For how long are we going to talk about the high cost of electricity, bwana PS?”
Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe added, “As a committee, we want to know why we should buy at Ksh.28 per kW yet our neighbours are doing Ksh.12 shillings per kW?”
In response, Energy PS Alex Wachira explained, “There are a lot of factors that go into the pricing of power; it is not only what you are saying. We have done a lot of subsidy, including in industries.”
The ministry highlighted Independent Power Producers (IPPs) as a major contributor to high costs.
Wachira stated, “It is good you understand that the geothermal is not the problem; the problem is the renewable energy firms and their pricing.”
EPRA boss Daniel Kiptoo said, “Bringing down the cost of electricity has to go through various stages. We shall have to look into the minor charges mounted on the billing.”
Awendo MP John Walter suggested, “Even as we are seeking lower prices, KPLC should now by connecting more Kenyans, it will collect more money as revenue on bills.”
Kenya Power’s Managing Director, Joseph Siror, responded, “We are working on putting more Kenyans on the main grid.For instance, we are just waiting for the Treasury to give us the go-ahead to award a tender of Ksh.1.2 billion to start the Lodwar-Mandera grid project.”