KPLC to award energy saving bulbs tender next week

By John Njiraini

The company that will supply one million energy saving bulbs will be known next week.

Though Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi had promised distribution of the bulbs would start early this month, the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) is yet to award the Sh300 million tender.

But the delay is raising questions on the Government’s commitment to keep the promise particularly at a time when the power rationing programme is easing.

KPLC has been mandated to carry out the process on behalf of the Government.

KPLC Managing Director Joseph Njoroge yesterday blamed the delay in the tender award on bureaucratic procurement regulations.

"Awarding a tender takes time and we are about to conclude the evaluation process," he said.

All Government agencies and parastatals must adhere to lengthy regulations under the Public Procurement and Disposal Act when contracting for goods and services.

The bulbs, which are supposed to be distributed for free in exchange for live inefficient ordinary bulbs, are supposed to reduce power demand by 49 MW and ease the pressure on generation facilities.

According to Njoroge, rationing has significantly eased as more producers supply power to the national grid and the country gears up for El Nino rains that are expected to improve hydro generation.

Over the past three weeks, the power distributor has received about 100 MW from independent power producers among them Rabai Power Station, Iberafrica and Aggreko.

"The situation is getting better as we continue to get more capacity," he said.