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Homes, factories spur as access to electricity in Kenya records 63.4 pc growth

Homes, factories spur as access to electricity in Kenya records 63.4 pc growth

BY EDITOR

Production houses and factories that were shut due to power inaccessibility are now shadows of their former selves, thanks to a drive by Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to ensure a nationwide connectivity to the national grid.

Over 4.8m Kenyans have been connected to the national grid as at the first quarter of 2017, a major growth for electricity provider KPLC who have recorded a 63.4 per cent growth compared to last year’s 60 per cent.

Kenya Power and Lighting Company Business Strategist Eng. KP Mungai said a huge percentage of the power generated was from geothermal sources which currently weigh in at 44.31 per cent compared to Hydroelectricity at 29.43 per cent, Diesel 23.49 per cent, wind power at 0.81 per cent and imported power at 2.47 per cent.

Addressing stakeholder at a meeting between KPLC and Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), KPLC Ag Managing Director Dr. Ken Tarus aid Kenya Power has leveraged on the adoption of technologies to offer customers better services. “We have scaled up adoption of modern technologies to shorten response time in order to serve our customers better, “adding the utility firm is wholly committed to stimulate growth and development in the manufacturing sector.

“We have held regular engagements with our industrial customers under KAM in all regions across the country which has resulted into efficient utilization of power by industry thus enhancing energy security in addition to reduced complaints from our industrial customers,” Dr. Tarus said.

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According to Tarus, the KPLC has adopted new procurement guidelines that will see it source for 80 per cent of its supplies from the local market including transformers and meters. The power firm will construct 36 additional substations under the Power Distribution Master Plan which are aimed at expanding the grid and a continuous supply of power to customers.

Kenya Association of Manufacturers Chair Ms. Flora Mutahi cited improvements in power supply saying electricity is a crucial ingredient for any society’s economic development.

“Power interruptions have been a major issue in the country escalating cost of production. Unplanned power interruptions cause significant inconvenience to sensitive process such as beverage packaging, cement manufacturing, fuel pumping among others,” Ms. Flora said.

Ms. Flora said Manufacturing Association has upgraded working relation to ensure quality and reliable power supply in the industrial sector.

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