President William Ruto has pledged that his government will set aside Ksh500 million in the next financial year to regularise illegal electricity connections in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
In a statement on X on Sunday, May 25, 2025, moments after visiting Kibra, Ruto said the overnment’s goal is to address poorly installed connections that have caused devastating fires: destroying homes, property, and, tragically, claiming lives.
“We will allocate Ksh500 million in the next financial year to regularise illegal electricity connections in Nairobi’s informal settlements. Our goal is to address poorly installed connections that have caused devastating fires: destroying homes, property, and, tragically, claiming lives. This intervention will enhance safety and protect lives and livelihoods,” Ruto stated.
“In Kibra, Nairobi, engaged affected residents following a recent fire and donated food and mattresses to support their recovery. We will donate land to the Nairobi County Government for the construction of a fire station in Kibera, ensuring faster emergency response and better preparedness for future incidents.”
According to recent revelations, Kenya Power and Lighting Company lost close to 25 per cent of the power it purchased to illegal connections. According to regulations by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), losses should not exceed 17.5 per cent.
“Commercial losses refer to unbilled electrical energy delivered to consumers, including power supplied to illegal connections, unmetered connections, unread meters, and meter tampering,” the report by EPRA stated.
EPRA revealed that July 2024 recorded the highest system losses at 24.9 per cent, while the lowest losses were recorded in December 2024 at 23.7 per cent.
Francis Muli
Francis Muli is a passionate digital journalist with over seven years of experience in crafting compelling stories across various platforms. His major focus is in business, politics and current affairs. He brings a keen eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering the truth.
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