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| Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi (l) receives documents from his predecessor, Davis Chirchir. |
New Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi has promised to cut electricity costs to promote economic growth and development. On Wednesday, August 14, Wandayi replaced Davis Chirchir as Energy CS during an official handover ceremony at Kawi House in Nairobi. Wandayi said he would consult with Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to reduce system losses from 23% to 15%. “Once we do that, which I am sure in the fullness of time we will, the cost of electricity will be bearable, and we must also understand that the cost of electricity and petroleum products is contributed by very many factors,” Wandayi explained. What are the new EPRA tariffs? The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which regulates energy costs in Kenya, approved new electricity tariffs. Domestic lifeline consumers will pay KSh 12.23/kWh, while commercial and industrial consumers will pay KSh 13.74/kWh. Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) projects to raise its revenues to KSh 216.2 billion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year. How EPRA plans to end KPLC’s monopoly The regulator seeks to end Kenya Power’s monopoly through Draft Energy (Electric Power Undertaking Licensing) Regulations 2024. Power distributors will have more opportunities to compete in the wholesale market, which could reduce customers’ power costs. Currently, only Kenya Power is authorised to execute contracts to import power from outside the country.
by Japhet Ruto