‘Case-by-case basis’: CS Wandayi addresses concerns of high electricity connection costs

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has addressed complaints by some Kenyans who have reported receiving high initial electricity quotations by Kenya Power.

Some Kenyans, especially in rural areas, have been lamenting about the high cost of poles and cables from the utility company to get their homes or businesses connected to the national grid.

In an interview with Citizen TV on Monday, Wandayi downplayed numerous concerns that some quotations have been “exorbitant” and noted that the distance from an existing power transformer to the customer’s premises is a major determinant in determining the eventual cost of connection.

“The term exorbitant is relative. It depends on a case-by-case basis. Each case is looked at on its merit and the distance from the existing transformer is a major factor in determining the eventual cost of connection,” the CS said.

Wandayi said under the government’s ongoing rural electrification project, customers will not be required to pay initial connection fees.

“It must however not be lost on Kenyans that the rural electrification program we are undertaking will see customers who are eventually connected not need to pay even a single cent. The project is underwritten by the government,” he said.

“The only thing they will be required to pay are electricity bills once connected,” the minister added.

At the same time, Wandayi addressed reported delays in power connection for customers who have already paid their quotations, saying Kenya Power is clearing the backlogs by order of application.

“I don’t think it will take more than a month for a customer to get a power connection, except when there are other factors at play,” Wandayi said.