Nairobi slum dwellers to get cheap power connection

About 40,000 people living in informal settlement (slums) in Nairobi’s Eastlands and the counties of Machakos and Makueni will benefit from a Kenya Power plan to provide safe and affordable electricity connection.

This was revealed by Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO, Dr Ben Chumo   during an electricity installation exercise in Mukuru slums in Nairobi.

Dr. Chumo said the project will be implemented at a cost of Shs.100 million with the aim of providing safe, legal and affordable power connection to people living in informal settlements.

“The special programme is supported by World Bank, (Global Partnership of Output-Based Aid- GPOBA) and is tailored to subsidize the cost of electricity connection to residents in informal settlements and other low-income regions,” he said.

The programme allows qualifying residents to pay a minimal charge of Kshs.1,116 per connection, Dr Chumo said.  The World Bank through GPOBA contributes US$ 225(Kshs.19,350), while Kenya Power contributes Kshs.11,970 per connection making up the standard capital contribution of Kshs.32,480 per connection.   

“Kenya Power has opted to pre-invest, in the programme by constructing connection lines, installing transformers and other infrastructural setup to enable connection to customers’ houses.”  Dr. Ben Chumo added.

The company has further made it easier to connect the residents by offering credit facilities through selected financial institutions.

Area residents will be connected to prepaid meters and the connection fee of Kshs.1,160 will then be recovered from the customer’s purchase of prepaid tokens for a period of 12 months. This translates to Kshs.100 per month.

The same programme is being implemented in informal settlements and low income areas such as; Mukuru kwa Njenga, Mukuru kwa Reuben, Mukuru kwa Hazina, Mukuru Sinai, parts of Athi River Mlolongo and other informal settlements in Machakos and Makueni.