This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
Published on June 26, 2020, Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter urged households to consider using electricity to cook, citing a drop in electricity demand since the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, his suggestion has been met with criticism, with many pointing out that the minister's words are disconnected from the reality of ordinary Kenyans.
For many Kenyans, the pandemic has brought unprecedented economic hardship, with job losses and reduced income forcing them to ration electricity use in their homes.
As one commentator noted, 'If you had Sh1,000 in a week, would you rather spend it bribing the caretaker not to open the gate for auctioneers coming to pay you an unfortunate visit, or would you buy electricity tokens to make it easier for the advance auctioneering team to monitor your movements so as to know when you’re home?'
Charles Keter's suggestion that households use more electricity to cook has been seen as tone-deaf, particularly given the widespread job layoffs and economic hardship caused by the pandemic.
As one observer noted, 'You cannot inflate power bills and then turn back and ask why Kenyans aren’t using Kenya Power as their preferred cooking provider.'
The minister's comments have sparked widespread criticism, with many calling for him to show more empathy for those struggling to make ends meet.
