Kenya Power is strategising on how to be the country’s leading internet services provider after unveiling a plan on how to roll out high-speed connections to homes.
In its annual plan, the government entity detailed that it would reach out to its eight million customers as it seeks to raise revenue, capitalising on the increase in mobile and data usage in Kenya.
“In the medium to long-term, the company is exploring the lit fibre business to increase the penetration of internet connectivity, particularly in the rural areas,” Kenya Power stated.
The company detailed that it already had structures that would ensure its success, as it has been leasing fibre-optic cables to all the top Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Kenya Power added that it already has a rich network of rural electrification that would provide the foundation for its fibre connection in homes.
“The company’s extensive fibre network presently offers dark fibre services to the country’s major ISPs to facilitate the provision of internet services to the end buyer in the retail and enterprise segments across the country and neighbouring countries,” an excerpt of the report read.
To avoid extra costs of digging trenches, purchasing and supplying fibre cables, the top internet service providers have been relying on Kenya Power which heavily invested in fibre optics years ago.
Kenya Power, however, has not outlined how much its customers will be charged to use the high-speed internet connection but may use the market valuation, between Ksh1,000 and Ksh5,000 for the basic package.
The move is part of the entity's restructuring plan, to offset debts, repair customer relations and reduce bloating wage budget.
In November 2021, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced reduced power tariffs for Kenyans, who for years, spend a lot to enjoy electricity connections.
Kenya Power employees were also ordered to declare their wealth. The General Manager in charge of Human Resource and Administration, Cecilia Kalungu, directed staff members to submit the wealth declaration documents by Monday, November 22.
