Kenya has achieved remarkable success in enhancing its electricity connectivity, outstripping its set targets due to efficient meter availability and installation strategies. The country’s principal electricity supplier, Kenya Power, recently announced a significant milestone, having exceeded its connectivity goal for the half-year ending in December 2023 by an impressive 13.87%. This achievement led to 256,206 new customers being connected to the grid, surpassing the initial target of 225,000. As a result, the total number of grid-connected customers has soared to 9,454,819, marking a significant step towards universal electricity access in Kenya.
The remarkable progress in connectivity is attributed to the strategic availability of meters and the implementation of the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), a program designed to expedite the meter installation process for new connections nationwide. Kenya Power’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to broadening access to electricity, with an ambitious target to connect 400,000 new customers by the end of the current fiscal year.
Looking ahead, Kenya Power is poised to maintain its connectivity momentum, aiming to add an additional four million customers to the grid by 2030. This goal aligns with the country’s vision of achieving universal electricity access, leveraging various projects including the Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP). To date, the LMCP has facilitated the connection of 1,231,423 customers to the grid, benefiting from the collaboration and funding from several domestic and international partners, including the Kenyan government, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, AFD, the EU, the European Investment Bank, and JICA.
The upcoming rollout of Phase 4 of the LMCP is set to connect an additional 280,000 customers across 32 counties within an 18-month period, further expanding Kenya’s electricity network. Joseph Siror, Kenya Power’s Managing Director & CEO, emphasized the company’s strategic focus on proactively addressing power distribution challenges, moving away from reactive decision-making. The installation of 67,000 smart meters targeting SMEs and the deployment of the Meter Data Management Infrastructure are among the pivotal steps taken to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Smart meters, offering real-time monitoring and remote reading capabilities, empower consumers by providing detailed insights into their electricity consumption patterns. This technology is a cornerstone of Kenya Power’s strategy to connect four million more households by 2030, contributing significantly to the national goal of universal electricity access.
Kenya’s commitment to a predominantly green power generation mix not only supports environmental sustainability but also ensures competitively priced electricity. This strategic approach positions Kenya as a leader in the region, setting a benchmark for affordable and sustainable electricity provision.
As Kenya continues to expand its electricity connectivity, the concerted efforts of Kenya Power and its partners are pivotal in transforming the energy landscape. The focus on leveraging technology, such as smart meters, and the implementation of comprehensive connectivity projects like the LMCP, underscore a forward-thinking approach to meeting the nation’s energy needs. With the ambitious target of connecting four million additional households by 2030, Kenya is on a clear path to achieving universal access to electricity, setting an exemplary model for other regions in Africa and beyond.
Source: ESI Africa
