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{
    "id": 1380039,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1380039/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 219,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Mandago",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13577,
        "legal_name": "Kiplagat Jackson Mandago",
        "slug": "kiplagat-jackson-mandago"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for the opportunity to comment on the Report of the Committee on Energy regarding electricity. I rise to support that Report and thank the Senator for Nyeri and Chairperson of the Committee, Sen. Wamatinga, and his team for the good work they have done. The cost of electricity in this country has been an impediment towards achievement of industrialization as a nation as it is one of the cost factors that drive the cost of production high. Therefore, if we have to address the cost of living in the country, we must address the cost of production. Energy being a critical factor of production is a matter that cannot be left untouched. This country has witnessed many challenges in terms of electricity, particularly in dealing with the Independent Power Producers (IPPs). My biggest problem with IPPs is the kind of contracts that are signed by public officers that are skewed towards the IPPs disadvantaging the people and Government of Kenya. It is not possible that a few people can have life-long contracts that disadvantage the nation. It is time the Government took the bull by the horns and sought means and ways of terminating some of these contracts. Mr. Speaker, Sir, as a country we must also look at affordable ways of generating energy. This country has a very huge potential of solar energy, but there are so many hurdles put across making it difficult for a country and even households to adopt the use of solar energy. As a House, we support this Report. We need to make a follow-up to ensure that the Ministry works on the recommendation the Committee has put across to ensure that the bills being given by Kenya Power Company (KPC) to the citizens of this country are accurate. These bills do not contain addition of tariffs and repayment of loans resulting from misappropriating public resources. If you take the wind power project done in Loiyangalani as an example, Kenyans are paying a lot of money in bills to service a debt that was not utilized. This is because Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) and other agencies failed to perform their work. Those responsible must explain how such billions of money is passed in bills to Kenyans without their knowledge. Also, Kenyans must be informed why they are paying for what they have not consumed. KPC must improve its network. The number of blackouts we are witnessing in this nation is unprecedented and regular, which is making it difficult for---"
}