There will be no Power black-outs or price increases - Kenya power reassures

February 16, 2017 4:38 PM

Kenya Power Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ken Tarus has reassured Kenyans and manufacturers in general that the ongoing drought will not affect power supply in the country to warrant power rationing.

Kenya Power has moved to dispel fears on the possibility of electricity power black outs and price increase occasioned by the ongoing severe drought in the country.

Kenya Power Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ken Tarus reassured Kenyans and manufacturers in general that the ongoing drought will not affect power supply in the country to warrant power rationing

“We currently have a reserve of 27.5 percent. Even with the hydrological conditions that we are experiencing at the moment. We do not foresee any possibility of power rationing,” he said.

Mr. Tarus was speaking at a news conference on Thursday when he made the reassuring remarks.

However, Kenya power acknowledged they still had challenges in ensuring ‘light remains on’ citing constraints in capacity.

“We are investing heavily in ensuring we mitigate this by increasing the number of substations in the country. We are setting up one of the biggest in Nairobi’s industrial area among the 67 planned for 2017 to ensure quality that gets to customers remain stable.”

The acting CEO further disclosed that on the adjustment of the tariffs, they are still in talks with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) because they have no control over them.

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Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) CEO, Phylis Wakiaga called for reduction of the cost of power which in turn help spur the growth of the manufacturing sector, she proposed setting up a competitive tariff that will ensure the sector competes favourably in a global environment.

Flora Mutahi, the chairperson of KAM called for a predictive environment and more consultation with the government to inspire confidence among investors, before finishing with a promise to take Kenya’s power word to the bank.

“As manufacturers, we take it as a commitment from Kenya power to the sector.”