Energy ministry says reforms in the sector still on course

NAIROBI, Kenya April 22-The Ministry of Energy has called on the public to avoid speculating the negotiation process on the reforms in the energy sector such as the next 15 per cent reduction in power tariff.

This follows a publication on a local news outlet that said the State is yet to open talks for a review of power purchase agreements, signaling further delay of the promised electricity bill cut for homes and businesses.

“We urge the public and members of the fourth estate to avoid unqualified speculation on the negotiation process and allow the Government of Kenya to provide the necessary updates on the reforms in the energy sector,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Government of Kenya has continued to hold formal engagements with Independent Power Producers ( IPPs ) within the framework of the ongoing wide–ranging reforms in the energy sector.

The process, which started in March, seeks to contribute to the delivery of the constitutional mandate of the Ministry of Energy which is to provide clean, reliable, sustainable low – cost power.

The Ministry affirmed that it has engaged in extensive negotiation sessions with 77 IPPS which have established and clarified a pathway to the delivery of the next 15 per cent reduction in power tariffs.

“The Ministry of Energy remains steadfast in its resolve to drive these irreversible reforms and calls upon all stakeholders, particularly the IPPS to reciprocate the Government’s demonstrated good faith as we finalize the negotiation process,” the statement concluded.

President Uhuru Kenyatta during the last Jamhuri Day celebrations directed a tariff review to cut power prices.

The reduction was expected to see consumers get a 15 per cent drop in the cost of power by January this year and another 15 per cent in March, bringing the total drop in power bills to 30 per cent.