This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
Kenya Power is under fire for its delayed token generation through mobile money purchase, causing frustration among customers who have been left without power for hours.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Kenyans took to Twitter to express their dissatisfaction with the utility firm's inability to address the issue promptly. The complaints started on Tuesday and continued into Wednesday, with no concrete response from Kenya Power.
According to an inquiry by Standard Digital, Kenya Power is aware of the problem but is taking time to address it. "We are aware of the challenge and addressing the issue," said an official from the firm's communications department.
The delay has affected customers who are trying to buy their tokens through the M-Pesa platform, with many taking to social media to express their frustration.
It's worth noting that this is not the first time Kenya Power has faced criticism for its token generation system. Last month, the firm's Managing Director, Jared Otieno, revealed a racket that had denied the company income running into millions through fraudulent activities.
Appearing before the House Energy committee, Otieno said the criminal activity involving 3,500 customers took place between January 2018 and February 2019. Transactions were relayed to customers through personal lines, through which willing customers negotiated discounted electricity rates with company insiders.
Kenya Power is yet to comment on the current delay in token generation.
