Relief as Kenya Power starts mapping of SMEs for reduction of power tariffs

Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has started mapping small commercial consumers who are targeted to benefit from reduced electricity charges under a new government policy to make power more affordable to Kenyans.

Duncan Machuka, Nyeri County Business Manager, said that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are part of the larger targeted beneficiaries of an affordable power project.

Machuka said after the identification and mapping, the cottage industries with consumption of up to 100 units of electricity will be charged Sh7.70 in energy charge for every unit consumed.

"SMEs employ more than 80 per cent of the working population in the country and play a central role in its economic and growth strategies the new rates," Machuka said.

“These efforts are geared to make SMEs more competitive and to help the country achieve its development objectives by creating more jobs, strengthening sectors and developing business models that work,” he said.