Kenyan legislators have raised fresh concerns over what they describe as a lack of accountability and transparency in the country’s energy sector, warning that opaque processes continue to deny consumers access to affordable electricity.
Appearing before the Senate, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi acknowledged long-standing challenges in the sector — including high power prices, ageing transmission lines, costly thermal generation and secretive contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He said the Ministry is now committing to full reforms in line with Parliament’s recommendations.
Wandayi told lawmakers that all new IPP agreements will undergo strict procurement procedures meant to enhance transparency and prevent inflated costs. He added that revamping the national grid and improving procurement systems will be central to delivering a more stable and affordable electricity supply.
The CS also detailed a series of long-term investments targeted at strengthening the power network, among them the third phase of African Development Bank funding worth KSh12 billion. The programme, which spans 35 countries, will support electrification and reliability improvements.
However, Wandayi sidestepped direct questions from Senators regarding how Kenya Power intends to recover nearly KSh30 billion spent on rural electrification projects carried out by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC). He described the matter as an internal issue for the utility, leaving legislators unsatisfied as they push for greater transparency in the sector.
