President Kenyatta urges manufactures to pass benefits of cheaper power to consumers

Last Updated 10 years ago by Kenya Engineer

President Kenyatta has told the private sector players to pass the benefits of cheaper power to consumers to grow the economy.

Speaking at the State House Energy Summit Wednesday morning, the Head of State observed that the move will increase commercial activities across the country.  “The Private sector has a responsibility to reflect reduced cost of power with reduced cost of commodities. The engagement of Independent Power Producers (IPP) must be done transparently,” said President Kenyatta, adding that the school connectivity is now at 90 per cent.

Kenya targets to have installed capacity of 5,000 megawatts by 2017. Energy Cabinet Secretary  Charles Keter said  anyone within the range of 600 metres from any transformer should have a quotation of not more than Sh15,000, adding that all power projects are of national interest.

Energy Principal Secretary Joseph Njoroge told participants that the Govt’ has reduced the street lighting tariff for County Governments from Ksh11 to Ksh4.

Kenya Power CEO Ben Chumo said there are more than 44 plants in the country producing wood and concrete poles under the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya slogan. “We buy Kenyan,” said Chumo. He explained that the national street lighting project is targeting 52 towns.”We are not yet there, but there has been significant improvement,” he noted.

However, 90 per cent of Kenya’s Power is generated through geo-thermal and hydro power.

The event was attended by energy sector officials in Government, who interacted with Kenyans on the latest dynamics in the energy sector. The Summit aimed to bring the administration and Kenya’s energy consumers a clearer, more coherent picture of energy policy, and its consequence.