This archive report was first published on 13 January 2022.
January 13, 2022, marked a critical moment for Kenya's energy sector as power outages underscored the need for reforms to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma reacted to the recent power outages, which began on Monday night, by emphasizing the urgency of implementing reforms. The outages were caused by the collapse of the Kiambere-Embakasi high voltage transmission power line, according to Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC).
Kenya has experienced three days of unsteady power, taking a toll on business operations and daily activities. In response, the energy CS assured that the ministry is working hard to prevent such experiences from recurring.
She urged all Kenyans, institutions, employees in the energy sector, and relevant partners to rally behind and support reforms. 'The power outages in the last two days underscore the imperative and urgency of implementing the proposed reforms in our power sector to ensure stable and reliable power supply,' she tweeted.
Without highlighting specific reforms, she called for support from all energy stakeholders. To augment and fast-track reforms, the President had appointed a task force that handed its report in September 2021 with recommendations to review Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) signed with Kenya Power to lower power costs.
As part of ongoing reforms, the government recently effected a 15 percent reduction in power tariffs, part of a 30 percent reduction promise. The reduction will cover the period between January and December 2022, reflecting bills covering the December 2021 period.
