Kenya Power says it is open to competition amid plan to open market to IPPs

Kenya Power engineers repair power lines in Kisii town on Sept 18, 2023. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Kenya Power now says it has no qualms with independent power producers selling electricity directly to consumers even as it raises concern about the stability of the country's supply infrastructure.

The utility firm, which currently enjoys the monopoly of power distribution in the country, is expected to face stiff competition from electricity producers, who will soon be allowed to sell power to consumers through the Energy (Electricity Market, Bulk Supply and Open Access) Regulations, 2024. The regulations, which are being spearheaded by the Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, are expected to take effect in the first quarter of next year.