Those in slums will pay Sh1,160 instead of Sh35,000 usually paid for the same service/FILE
This was revealed by Kenya Power coordinator for rural electrification projects Harun Mwangi, during an electricity installation exercise in Embu County.
Mwangi said implementation of the subsidised slum electrification project began last year with the aim of providing safe, legal and affordable power connection to people living in slums.
“The company will pay an additional $5 million to further subsidise the project cost with customers expected to pay Sh1,160 instead of Sh35,000 usually paid for the same service,” he added.
He further said that the World Bank’s International Development Association and the Global Partnership Output Based Aid were expected to pay about $15 million to Kenya Power for the 66,000 connections.
“A total of 962 electricity customers living in various informal settlements have benefitted so far. Some of the areas that have benefited from the programme include Kibra in Nairobi, Kaloleni in Kisumu, Gachagi and Kiangombe in Thika and Majengo in Kitui. Work is ongoing in other areas,” Mwangi said.
Regional Manager for Mount Kenya, David Mwaniki, said the company will benefit from the displacement of illegal electricity vendors in informal settlements in terms of reduction of commercial losses which occur partly because of electricity theft.
Mwaniki said illegal connections have been the cause of electrocutions and slum fires, which have been on the increase in the recent past.
