A report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics(KNBS) has revealed that Kenya’s electricity imports increased while local production declined in August 2024 compared to the previous month even as demand continued to grow.
Data published by KNBS shows that local electricity generation dropped from 1,098.9 million kilowatt-hours (KWh) in July 2024 to 1,096.2 million KWh in August 2024.
The statistics office further revealed that electricity generation and imports rose from 1,204.9 million KWh in July 2024 to 1,227.3 million KWh in August 2024. KNBS attributed this to a rise in electricity imports from 106.0 million KWh to 131.1 million KWh.
At the same time, the principal power retailer reported an increase in sales, which climbed from 901.8 million KWh to 923.1 million KWh.
Conversely, electricity exports fell noticeably, decreasing from 3.7 million KWh in July to 2.7 million KWh in August.
This comes even as Kenyans across the country continue to complain of high electricity prices. The complaints are not without basis.
For instance, The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) through a gazzette notice last week revealed that electricity costs will increase marginally in October after the regulator approved new pass-through costs.
The notice revealed that the foreign exchange adjustment for electricity climbed to Ksh114.89 per kWh, up from Ksh103.32 in September.
As it stands, fluctuation in global fuel prices has continued to affect electricity prices in Kenya. In recent months, global oil prices have surged due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. This increase has directly impacted the cost of generating electricity, leading to higher electricity costs.
Similarly, in January 2023, President William Ruto stated that the government was working to lower electricity tariffs.
The Head of State at the time revealed that the government would prioritise low-income earners and manufacturers in the tariff review process.
“In three months, we will have public consultation to ensure that we have tariffs that are affordable to those at the bottom of the economic pyramid and our manufacturers.”
