Kenyans might soon enjoy cheaper electricity after President William Ruto directed the Ministry of Energy to boost the distribution of Hydro-generated power.
Speaking on Monday at State House after a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Head of State, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed noted that hydro-generated power production had improved by over 20 per cent.
That is attributed to the ongoing high rainfall across various parts of the country.
"Cabinet also directed the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in consultation with all agencies within the sector to give priority to maximum production, uptake and distribution of hydro-generated power," stated Hussein Mohammed.
The spokesperson further indicated that the distribution of the electricity should reflect the adoption of hydro-generated power to the consumer as well as the decrease of between 15 per cent and 10 per cent of diesel-generated power, considered more expensive.
In recent months, Kenyans have been reeling under increased electricity charges alongside a rising cost of living.
If effected, the hydro-generated power will see prices per token unit lowered.
During his address, Mohamed also noted that the warning from the Kenya Meteorological Department was taken seriously by the Ruto administration.
He further defended that the Head of State's statement on downgrading from El Nino to significant rainfall was a result of communication from the department.
"All Kenyans should exercise patience and caution while travelling, wait for storm waters to subside before attempting to cross roads, report any instances of flooding or landslides to the authorities and strictly follow all guidelines issued by the government," Hussein advised the public.
The Cabinet, therefore, resolved to mobilise a Ksh7 billion contingency fund to curb the effects of El Nino, funds which will be disbursed to counties.
It noted that 38 counties are in the alarm stage of El Nino where the death toll stands at 76 while over 35,000 people have been displaced.
Earlier, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had maintained that the National Government could not give counties additional funds as a response to the ongoing rains.
