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{
    "id": 1402062,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1402062/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 131,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Wamatinga",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13582,
        "legal_name": "Wahome Wamatinga",
        "slug": "wahome-wamatinga"
    },
    "content": "In line with the Standing Order No.103, the Senate Standing Committee orders, the Committee resolved to adjourn the meeting having declared the matter as sub judice . A report on the petition will be tabled on 18th March, 2024. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Committee conducted an inquiry on the high cost of electricity in the country, adopted and tabled its report on the 20th September, 2023. The Report of the committee was adopted by the Senate on Wednesday 28th February, 2024. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Committee made several recommendations including- (a). That within 14 days after the adoption of the report by the Senate the Ministry of Energy should disclose the full identities of the beneficiaries of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs), including the companies listed as shareholders in foreign jurisdiction. (b). That thermal power plants should convert to Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) in accordance with their respective Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) within 18 to 36 months. (c). That the Minister of Energy should facilitate Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) or to prioritize the completion of the following lines: (1). The 132KV Narok-Bomet line within 12 months which will allow the switching off of the Muhoroni gas turbine plant whose cost of production is the highest in the country. (2). Completion of the proposed 400/220 kV Mariakani substation within three months which would allow for Suswa to Mariakani through Isinya to be energized and, therefore, allow more geothermal generated power to flow to Mombasa. (3). The completion of the Turkwel-Ortum-Kitale line within three months which will stabilize power in the western region. (d). That the Minister of Energy in consultation with all thermal plants should institute a mechanism to purchase HFO in bulk within 90 days of adoption of this report. (e). That the Minister of Energy through Kenya Power (KP) and the IPPs renegotiate the PPA with a win-win solution for both parties within 12 months of the adoption of this report. (f). That the KP should purchase power based on merit order giving preference to the cheaper power producers. Mr. Speaker, Sir, if the above recommendations are implemented, the cost of electricity is expected to reduce significantly. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Committee has also been looking into the procurement process of prepaid meters by Kenya Power. We engaged on the companies that have wanted us to supply meters to Kenya Power and it was very evident that a majority of them, are up to 70 per cent, foreign owned. We engaged with the companies that have won tenders to supply meters to Kenya Power. It was very evident that a majority of them are up to 70 per cent foreign-owned. Of the four companies we engaged, only one company was 100 per cent Kenyan. This raises the question of the local content and skills transfer. The Committee is of the opinion that the manufacturing of these meters should be done in Kenya. A lot has been said about the government-to-government oil deal, and the Committee is looking into the matter and will inform the House of its findings. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}