Kenya’s energy future: Unbundling and universal access

One of the benefits of unbundling and electricity utility is to reduce the monopoly. At the moment, Kenya has one utility, which is state-owned, Kenya Power, and runs both transmission and distribution sectors, plus some of the generation. This monopoly has introduced reliability issues. A.

This is according to Sharon Rodah, Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, who sat down with ESI Africa to discuss Kenya’s electricity sector reform. 

Rodah explains that unbundling and electricity utility, whether it’s in the private sector or public, helps in terms of efficiency. 

“In terms of affordability, where there are more competitors, everyone is striving to give the best service. So it’s hopeful that this allows the power to become more affordable for the consumer.

“There is a provision for it in the Act that says that Kenya Power should give access to the grid in a fair manner. And we had regulations passed last year that allow for open market access, but they still haven’t started implementing it. But it’s hopeful that producers will now be able to distribute directly to the consumers,” she said.

Touching on achieving universal energy access by 2030, Rodah shares that the last mile connectivity programme has been a great strategy for the country.

“We’re currently in phase six, and the government is looking now to connect, I think, just over 100,000 households this year.

“And it mostly focuses on the rural areas, because at the moment in Kenya, we have 100% universal access in the urban areas. So this programme then allows everyone who’s a bit far from the grid to be connected to it. We’re also very big on solar home systems.”

Cover photo:  Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi flagged off the last mile electricity projects at Kayumbani village, Machakos Town Constituency, Machakos County last week. Source: OpiyoWandayi/X