A government initiative aimed at rural electrification, under the current regime, is causing concern due to discrepancies in token pricing for electricity across different regions.
Concerns raised over Kenya’s rural electrification program as discrepancies in electricity token pricing emerge, with higher charges in rural areas despite government funding
According to a concerned consumer, while purchasing tokens for the same amount (Ksh. 100) in Nairobi and Migori, there was a noticeable difference in the charges.
The Nairobi token included a total of Ksh. 61.53 for the actual electricity usage and an additional Ksh. 38.47 in other charges, whereas the Migori token indicated a lower usage charge of Ksh. 30.78, with other charges considerably higher at Ksh. 192.
The key issue raised is why the government, which has allocated funding to support rural electrification, would then partner with investors to offer the service on loan, shifting the financial burden onto consumers.
This raises questions about the sustainability and fairness of the model, as well as the discrepancy in pricing between rural and urban areas.
“Hi Nyakundi. Once again thanks for the good work you are doing! Please highlight this, there is this government program for rural electrification currently done by the current regime. Apparently, it is for a loan facility because for those who have benefited from it, their token rates are different from the normal as per attached screenshot. I did buy one in Nairobi and another in Migori at the same price of Kshs.100/- but the difference is half as can be seen. So my question is, why then would the government allocate money to fund such project and at the same time partner with another investor to do it on loan thereafter shifts the burden to consumers?”
Screenshot showing discrepancies in electricity token pricing between Nairobi and Migori, with different charges for the same amount of units, raising questions about the rural electrification program.
The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) must clarify why consumers benefiting from its program are subjected to inflated token costs compared to standard Kenya Power customers.
If the government has already allocated funds for rural electrification, why is REREC implementing a model that forces consumers to bear additional costs, effectively turning a public service into a loan scheme?
The stark differences in token value between Nairobi and Migori suggest that rural consumers are not only paying for electricity but also shouldering hidden financial burdens.
REREC cannot justify a program that claims to expand access while making power more expensive for those it is meant to help.
