Former Nandi Women Representative Zipporah Kering is among five directors who have tendered their resignations as independent directors of Kenya Power.
In a notice on Monday, July 13, the power supply company announced that Kering together with four other directors, Adil Khawaja, Kairo Thuo, Wilson Kimutai Mugung’ei and Brenda Kokoi had left the company.
"The Company would like to sincerely thank the Directors for their commitment and dedicated service, and wishes them the best in their future endeavors," it reads in part.
At the time of the appointments, Kairo Thuo was a consultant and a founder partner of Viva Africa Consulting LLP and Viva Africa Consulting Limited while Adil Khawaja who specialises in commercial law, corporate law, real estate law, energy, oil and gas, commercial litigation and arbitration joined the Board in December 2014.
Wilson Kimutai served as the director of Quadrix Capital Management Limited and Seriani Asset Managers Limited while Brenda Kokoi joined the Board in December 2016.
The resignations come in the backdrop of huge losses witnesses by the electricity distributor due to the impact of Covid-19.
Energy CS Charles Keter stated that the company had lost approximately KSh 5.6 billion in revenues between March and June, citing low power consumption due to the pandemic.
“Between March and June 2020, electricity consumption declined by about 14.8 percent corresponding to a decrease in energy consumption by about 341 GWh. Consequently, electricity sales revenue reduced by about Ksh5.6 billion,” the CS stated.
The company had earlier issued a profit warning noting that the pandemic had greatly impacted electricity sales.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday, April 7, disclosed that he had directed Kenya Power not to disconnect households with any outstanding bills during the pandemic.
"I have also requested the Kenya Power and Lighting Company not to disconnect power to those who are unable to pay but rather understand the situation we are in,” the President stated.
Their exit comes as other parastatal bosses have exited their respective institutions.
Earlier in July 2020, Kenya Tourism Fund CEO Joseph Cherutoi and the Corporate Services Director Eric Kiplagat resigned amidst a Ksh81.1 billion loss in revenue in the tourism sector.
In March, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Daniel Manduku, who is facing corruption charges resigned as well.
