When high power connection charges dash hopes of many

A Kenya Power technician works on a newly launched digital capacitor voltage transformer in Nyeri Town last month. The government intends to connect 1.5 million Kenyans to electricity by 2019. (PHOTO: KIBATA KIHU/ STANDARD)

My December 24 column on the confusion surrounding power connection charges elicited many email responses from readers who shared about their frustrations with the Kenya Power.

In the article, I narrated my own experience: I had applied for metre separation and was slapped with a quotation of a Sh179,008 despite my house being less than 30 metres from the power line.

No technician visited the site to assess the requirements in preparation of cost estimates.

Experience

I also shared the experience of Chris Oyuga who had paid Sh35,000 for connection two years before President Uhuru Kenyatta announced in May last year the reduction of connection charges to Sh15,000. To date, he has not been connected to the power grid.

Recently, Kenya Power slapped him with a Sh500,000 demand. His reference number is E24602013100511.

After reading my article, Michael Masha, whose application reference number is E22122015030897, wrote me an email saying he was sent a Sh500,000 connection fee. “The electricity connection cost is way above my reach. My home is only 35 metres from the main line,” Masha said.

When he inquired about the cost, he was told that there was a need for a step-down transformer. He was advised to wait or apply as a group.

“I fail to understand why I am being charged so heavily. The cost of importing an average transformer is relatively lower. Still, the cost of one pole (about Sh16,000) of electricity plus other logistics cannot amount to Sh500,000. I find the bill unfair,” Masha said.

According to Masha, his Kwa-Juaje community in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, has remained behind because of lack of basic services like electricity.

“If I cannot afford to pay the quoted amount, it implies that we will continue to be left behind in development as electricity is an indispensable ingredient in economic development. Who will come to our aid? Is someone listening?” asks Masha.

Another reader, Handson Ombiro, says that he is also a victim of the intrigues at Kenya Power and shall forward complaints to the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek).

Home owners remain confused over the exact cost of electricity connection as the reduced cost of Sh15,000 does not reflect on the ground.

Costly quotations

Most readers who sent emails to this column said that Kenya Power slapped them with costly quotations to connect electricity even before sending experts to the ground for estimates.

According to the Kenya Power website, the application and connection process includes downloading a new application form before filling and submission to the nearest Kenya Power office.

Upon receipt of the application, a technician should visit the site to assess requirements for preparation of cost estimates before sending a quotation. The customer is then required to pay the prescribed connection fees before the final construction and metering.