Government Plans New Bulk Metering System to Fight Illegal Power Connections
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has revealed that the government is preparing to roll out a new plan for electricity distribution aimed at dealing with the growing problem of illegal power connections in crowded residential areas.
While speaking on Spice FM during a morning talk show, Wandayi said the new plan will introduce a bulk metering and billing system, where one individual or registered entity will buy electricity in bulk from Kenya Power (KPLC) and then distribute it to multiple users within a building or estate.
“This initiative is mainly a response to the rising number of illegal power hookups, especially in overcrowded neighbourhoods where enforcing direct connections has proven difficult due to security threats,” Wandayi explained.
According to the CS, the system will make it easier to provide organized and safer access to electricity in informal settlements and densely populated estates. “We’re introducing a model called bulk metering, where in places where it’s challenging for KPLC staff to enforce compliance, this system will offer a workable solution,” he said.
How the New System Will Work
The idea behind the bulk metering system is simple: in an estate, apartment complex, or residential cluster, one central electricity meter will be installed by KPLC. This main meter will serve as the official billing point for the entire location.
Residents will have to agree on one person or a legally registered company or association to be the primary power customer. This person or group will then be responsible for receiving electricity from KPLC and distributing it to each household.
Inside the buildings, sub-meters will be placed in individual houses to measure how much electricity each tenant uses. The designated account holder will use these readings to calculate how much each resident should pay.
The total payments from tenants will be collected by this person or entity and then paid as one lump sum to KPLC. This system cuts out the need for Kenya Power to collect from every household individually, helping simplify operations and improve revenue collection.
Why the Government Is Making the Change
CS Wandayi pointed out that this approach is safer and more efficient, especially in slum areas and high-risk neighbourhoods where illegal tapping and overloaded connections are a common problem. These unregulated setups often cause frequent blackouts, fires, and dangerous living conditions.
The government believes that this new model will reduce the number of power-related accidents and also ensure a more stable and secure electricity supply in areas that have struggled with illegal connections for years.
Wandayi added that this model has already proven successful in other countries and that Kenya is now ready to adopt it as a long-term solution.
A Shift in Strategy: From Crackdowns to Community Partnerships
Instead of relying on police crackdowns or enforcement operations, the government is shifting toward a community-based compliance model. The plan is to use licensed intermediaries—such as landlords, estate committees, or housing cooperatives—who will act as official partners in the power distribution chain.
Once the program is launched, the Ministry of Energy and KPLC will work hand in hand with county governments and local leaders to educate residents, set up the infrastructure, and monitor progress.
Wandayi emphasized that this system isn’t just about making things easier for KPLC—it’s also about protecting the lives and property of Kenyans, especially in areas where poor wiring and illegal connections have been causing fires and power outages.
In short, you may soon be getting your electricity tokens from your landlord or estate management instead of directly from KPLC. The new system promises to bring more order, better safety, and efficient revenue collection while targeting the root causes of illegal power usage in the country.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
