Gov't Initiates Plan to Allow Private Firms to Rival KPLC by Generating and Transmitting Power

The Kenya Kwanza administration has now initiated plans to disrupt the power transmitting business exclusively done by Kenya Power.

President William Ruto's administration has proposed new plans to bring on board independent firms to rival Kenya Power which has enjoyed the monopoly for years.

According to Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Kenya and other East African countries are at an advanced stage of allowing privately-owned companies to play a part in both electricity generation and transmission.

"We also discussed the issue of admitting Independent Power Producers and Independent Transmission Developers to be part of the East African Power Pool. Noting that such private players hold a considerable energy market share in the region," Chirchir announced after holding a meeting with other energy officials from East African countries.

He defended the move noting that it was key to addressing the issue of power shortages and over-reliance on state-run power transmitting companies.

Further Chirchir, indicated that the move to licence private companies to generate power and then later transmit will promote sustainability.

Besides licencing independent power suppliers, Chirchir noted that the country was working to extend the power importing framework.

"Kenya has already reaped the rewards of regional integration through bilateral frameworks, such as importing 200MW of renewable energy from Ethiopia and engaging in energy exchange with Uganda. These initiatives have ensured a reliable energy supply and reduced outage risks," he stated.

"Additionally, plans are at advanced stages to complete, commission, and operationalize the Kenya - Tanzania inter-connector. Other key exciting projects include the Egypt - Libya line, Egypt - Sudan, Ethiopia - Sudan, Ethiopia - Djibouti, and the Uganda - Rwanda lines."

His sentiments come even after some parts of the country experienced power blackouts due to heavy rains in the country. The token purchase system also experienced delays leaving hundreds in darkness.