House seeks to end monopoly of power firm

Members of the National Assembly have embarked on a new push to have Kenya Power’s monopoly in the energy sector broken.

It will, however, require concrete steps from the government to realise their demand to liberalise the power distribution sector and allow in independent companies.

MPs spoke in one voice on Wednesday, saying the national power utility firm had failed Kenyans.

They added that Kenya Power appears grossly inefficient in its operations, with about 85 per cent of the population still unconnected to electricity.

The discussion came to the floor of the House after a motion moved by a member of the Energy, Communication and Information committee Mr David Kangogo Bowen. He said, if implemented, the proposed measure will improve efficiency and reduce the cost of power in the country.

Compensation

The motion also urges the Kenya Power to compensate those who have encountered fires and lost property due to power outages and surges.

But Kisumu Town West MP Olago Aluoch said under the new constitutional dispensation, a motion simply remains one unless implemented.

“All we can do is express views and urge the government to act. If it is serious about the sector, let it look into the relevant legislation that will change what is crucial. It should not leave this matter at the level of a motion,” he stated.

Mr Aluoch said Kenya Power must ‘wake up’ and find new ways of operating.

Kibwezi East MP Jessica Nduku Mbalu, said cartels in the sector had put the cost of power so high that investors avoid the country. She said MPs are tired of urging the government to implement measures in the power sector.

The MP added that liberalising the sector will see more areas at the grassroots receive power connection which shall speed up development.

She raised concern that Kenyans cannot afford electricity due to the high cost involved compared to their purchasing power.

Ms Mbalu cited the laptop project initiated by the Jubilee government as one of the programmes that could immensely benefit from power liberalisation.

Kibbra MP Ken Odhiambo said cheap and affordable power would attract foreign investment.

Other MPs who supported the motion included South Imenti’s Murungi Kathuri, Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka and Embakasi South MP Mr Sumra Irshadali.

Moving the motion, Mr Bowen said there was concern that Kenya Power had portrayed a lacklustre approach to handling customer complaints which leaves customers disadvantaged due to lack of alternatives in electricity providers.

He said power outages and surges had become the norm especially when it rains, sometimes causing electrical faults that result in fires and loss of property that are never compensated by Kenya Power.

The MP said even though Kenya is East Africa’s largest economy, it remains a minor electricity supplier with a low penetration level of about 15 per cent.