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{
    "id": 372178,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/372178/?format=api",
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    "content": "On the issue of shortage, I want to say that electricity supply is of utmost importance because it is supplied to very sensitive installations in this country. We have electricity in our hospitals and schools. There are major issues that go wrong every time we have a shortage in supply. For example, when we do not have power in our health centres and yet, we have patients on life support machines and equipment that operates on electricity that, obviously, is a sensitive issue that puts us in an awkward position. There are also risks when lights go off in the middle of the night in our schools. We know that our children are learning very well from our teachers and, therefore, they rise up in arms and want to fight for their rights in whichever way when they are in certain situations. I want to say that many players will come on board and electricity will be supplied in a better way if we do away with the monopoly that Kenya Power enjoys. Probably, our installations will have power all the time. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, I understand that there are times we require monopoly. That is when the issues are very strategic to the nation. Monopoly is required when we are talking about security issues. However, electricity is almost a basic right for our people. It is unfortunate that, up to now, there is still a monopoly in that sector. That is because we have allowed only one organization to supply power in the entire country. The demand and supply rules are very clear. Of course, electricity supply by Kenya Power is strained because the demand is very high. That means that the prices will be high and that is why we keep on having problems of power disconnections and yet, the Jubilee Government wants to digitize this country. I do not think that, that will be possible if we cannot bring down the cost of power. Let the Government understand that, that is a basic requirement. Let the Government go out of its way and ensure that the prices of power are brought down. That will only happen if other players are allowed to invest in the power sector so that the supply will be more than the demand. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, I want to talk about fair distribution of power. As a country, we do not have enough power. However, there are some areas that are more equal than others. It is important that Kenya Power does not have political patronage so that it can distribute power without fear or favour. We will definitely move on to the next level if that happens. We have talked about developing this economy and that can only happen if those things are put in place. Finally, I want to talk about Kenya Power taking responsibility. We know very well that when you want to be connected with power, you should have documents that indicate the people who did the wiring for you. Based on that, Kenya Power inspects the building and then allows power to be connected. Once we are connected and there is a problem, Kenya Power does not take responsibility. They ignore those problems. I had an incident where I lost many electrical appliances. I ran a business before I came to this House that had many electrical gadgets. All those gadgets went up in flames but Kenya Power did not take any responsibility. It is important that we insist that they take responsibility whenever damages connected to their supply arise."
}