- The electricity distributor indicated its USSD code (*977#), and the power app will be unavailable during the period.
- The Electricity Consumers Association of Kenya (ECSK) has filed a petition challenging the implementation of the new tariffs.
Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) announced it would undertake system maintenance from Friday, March 31, at midnight to Saturday, April 1, at 11 am. The electricity distributor indicated its USSD code (*977#) and the power app would be unavailable during the period Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) approved new high KPLC tariffs in a gazette notice dated March 24.
Kenyans raise suspicions Kenyans on social media expressed mixed reactions to KPLC’s statement. Some opined Kenya Power were not maintaining systems but adjusting the new tariffs to reflect on the bills. Some responses included; Suzie Susan saying: “Tell us the truth, bana, it’s the increase of new expensive token rates and not maintenance.” Shery Mwaniki noted: “Ati system maintenance, we know, is the increment of 63% cost.” Zack Muya wrote: “Just say you will be implementing the new rates.” Lucyann Wangui said: “We know you want to change and increase the token rates.”
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) approved new high KPLC tariffs in a gazette notice dated March 24, to take effect from April 1, 2023. Kenya Power had applied for an increase in electricity tariff charges. The move will see KPLC increase the power tariff to KSh 16.3/kWh for customers using 30 units and above and KSh 12/kWh for those using less than 30 units. The Electricity Consumers Association of Kenya (ECSK) has filed a petition challenging the implementation of the new tariffs. ECSK executive director Isaac Ndereva claimed that EPRA did not engage the public before settling on the decision.