This archive report was first published on 7 October 2021.
On October 7, 2021, the Kenyan government declared Kenya Power a special government project, marking a significant shift in the company's operations and management.
The decision was made by an inter-ministerial team led by Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, which was set up to audit and oversee urgent reforms in the company.
As part of the reforms, Kenya Power has been directed to immediately suspend ongoing and pending negotiations with independent power producers.
The company has also been ordered to prioritize a review of existing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to lower the cost of electricity procured by Kenya Power and billed to clients.
A multi-agency team will be assembled to investigate system losses, procurement practices, insider trading, conflict of interests, and suspect transactions involving staff and others.
The government has also convened a meeting of all state agencies in the energy sector to synergize and align the country's demand-vs-supply needs and work out modalities of bringing down energy costs.
Kenya Power has faced criticism and controversy in recent years, including allegations of impropriety and interference in the management's work.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations into the board over alleged interference in the management's work and the award of tenders.
