Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-21 01:28:47
Kenya Power has announced its commitment to ensuring that 4 million Kenyans have access to electricity by 2030. This comes after the company exceeded its electricity connections target, connecting 256,206 customers in the second half of 2023, which is 13.87 per cent above the targeted 225,000 customers.
The company revealed that it plans to achieve its objective of connecting 4 million homes to electricity through the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI). The RRI in electricity connection aims to simplify processes, cut red tape, and speed up the approval of connections in order to enhance energy access and stimulate economic development efficiently.
Joseph Siror, the company’s Managing Director, explained that Kenya Power had initiated a metering plan to accelerate connections. He stated, “We have exceeded our target for the half-year period and we are on course towards attainment of our annual target, which will positively impact the journey towards universal access to electricity by 2030.”
In addition to its commitment to connecting 4 million customers by 2030, Kenya Power also aims to connect 400,000 customers to the national grid by the end of the current financial year. The company is also working on the Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP) to connect 280,000 customers across 32 counties within 18 months and is preparing to roll out phase four of the LMCP to achieve its annual connectivity targets.
So far, 1,431,423 customers have been connected to the grid through the LMCP, which is funded by the government, the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), European Union (EU), European Investment Bank (EIB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
During the presentation of the Kenya Power Operational Performance Report for Q2 FY 2023/2024, Siror highlighted that geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar accounted for the largest share of sources of power. He emphasized the company’s commitment to sourcing affordable and reliable power to ensure growth across the country and its determination to proactively address power distribution constraints.
“The time for making knee-jerk reactions when making decisions is over,” stated Siror.
In conclusion, Kenya Power is making significant strides towards its goal of providing electricity to 4 million Kenyans by 2030. With its focus on the Rapid Results Initiative, Last Mile Connectivity Project, and commitment to sourcing affordable and reliable power, the company is working towards enhancing energy access and stimulating economic development in Kenya.
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