Kenya Power signs deal with World Bank to cut electricity connection cost

Kenyans living in informal settlements will enjoy cheap electricity connections following a deal between Kenya Power and two financial partners.

Connection charges will drop to Sh1,160 from Sh35,000 in the partnership with the World Bank and African Development Bank.

The two financial institutions will inject Sh12.2 billion each to connect more Kenyans to the grid, Kenya Power chief executive Ben Chumo said.

CHEAP POWER

Mr Chumo made the remarks when he officially launched the Global Partnership Output Based Aid (GPOBA) dubbed Stima Rahisi at Kiganjo Youth Polytechnic in Gatundu South.

He was accompanied by area MP Moses Kuria.

He said the program, to be rolled out in all 47 counties, will address power connectivity inadequacy where only 35 per cent of Kenyans are connected.

Mr Chumo called on the beneficiaries to use the cheap power to improve their livelihoods through cottage industries and jua kali enterprises.

“This way we shall also tackle insecurity since insecurity is a product of lack of opportunities,” he said.

Other projects being undertaken by Kenya Power include street lighting in Nairobi City and its environs and the 22 kilometre road that connects Gatundu Town with Thika superhighway.

There is also a major repair of networks and expansion of substations where 30 substations to be completed by June this year.

Mr Kuria said electricity installed in primary schools will improve learning for the 23,000 pupils from the constituency.