Kenya Power has introduced a new Optical Character Recognition (OCR) meter reading system, a digital solution designed to improve billing accuracy and make the entire process faster and more reliable across the country.
The technology allows meter readers to scan a meter display instead of manually writing or typing the numbers.
Once the scan is done, the reading is automatically captured and processed by the system. This greatly reduces mistakes that usually happen when readings are entered manually.
The company says the rollout will cover all eight regions of its operations. This comes after a successful six-month pilot programme in Nairobi, which started in March 2025 and targeted 1.8 million postpaid meters.
According to Kenya Power’s Commercial Cycle Manager, Richard Wida, the OCR system simplifies the work of meter readers and ensures the captured data is accurate, helping eliminate human errors and saving valuable time.
Wida stressed that technology is becoming a key driver of Kenya Power’s operations. He noted that the new OCR system marks a major step in improving billing and general service delivery.
He added that the technology supports the company’s wider digital transformation efforts and works alongside other systems already deployed to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Why Kenya Power Introduced the New System
The main goal of the OCR system is to minimize billing problems caused by wrong meter readings. It works hand-in-hand with existing digital tools such as the MyPower app and the USSD code *977#, which already allow customers to read their own meters and submit the readings for accurate billing.
Kenya Power also revealed plans to eventually allow customers to use OCR for self-reading, meaning they will simply scan their meters using an approved tool and send the data directly, reducing the chances of errors even further.
This rollout is part of Kenya Power’s broader digital modernization plan, which also includes introducing smart meters for large electricity consumers, SMEs, and selected households.
In July, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced that the government is preparing to release a new electricity distribution blueprint. The plan aims to deal with the growing problem of illegal power connections, especially in densely populated areas.
According to Wandayi, the new blueprint will include a bulk metering and billing model. Under this system, one individual or registered entity will buy electricity from Kenya Power and then distribute it to several consumers within a specific building, estate, or settlement.
For this model to work, residents must agree on a single representative who will act as the official power supplier and the main point of contact with Kenya Power.
This approach is expected to bring more order, reduce power theft, and improve electricity management in crowded neighborhoods.
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