Access to Power Connectivity in Kenya Rises to 63.4pc

Over 5,672,332 Kenyans are connected to the national grid as of February this year bring electricity access to 63.4 percent compared to 60 percent reported in July last year according to Kenya Power and Lightening Company statistics.

Engineer K.P. Mungai, General Manager Business Strategy speaking at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Sector and Chapter Chairpersons on Thursday noted that much of the power generated comes from geothermal currently at 44.31 percent compared to Hydro 29.43 percent, Diesel 23.49 percent, imports 2.47 percent and wind 0.81 percent.

He added that the installed capacity stands at 2,327.

Flora Mutahi, the Chairperson KAM Kenya emphasised that the manufacturing sector aims to contribute 15 percent of the country’ GDP, but it cannot achieve that without reliable power supply.

“Energy is a critical ingredient for the manufacturing sector at h same time it is a catalyst for revenue diversification, thus, we need quality and reliable power,” she said.

Ms. Phylis Wakiaga, CEO KAM Kenya commended Kenya Power for the its last mile initiative terming it ‘as transformative’ in the way it has changed lives of communities. She also said with the growth of the grid, they are now accessible across the country.

However, with projections that the manufacturing sector poised for a 5 percent growth this year resulting into an increased energy demand, Kenya Power was challenged to increase the universal access.

“There is need to expand the network and we urge Kenya Power to have a manufacturing focus to ensure the sector supply has energy availability at 99 percent,” said Wakiaga.