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{
    "id": 822470,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/822470/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 21,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, the latest blow to Kenyans from Kenya Power is the new revised tariffs effective 1st August, 2018. It is a well-known fact that Kenya has had one of the highest electricity costs in the eastern Africa region. For instance, according to statistics by research of June, 2018, Kenyans were paying an average electricity tariff the equivalent of Kshs15 per kilo watt per hour compared to Ethiopia’s Kshs4.1, Egypt’s Kshs6, Uganda’s Kshs12 and South Africa’s Kshs9. One wonders why the Government would burden the consumers even more with the new tariffs that have increased the average total bill by up to 54 per cent for most consumers. The new tariff calculations are more confusing and unfair. It would have been more sensible and honest if the utility firm had removed the monthly fixed charge and reduced tariffs across the board. Electricity usage and connection has a multiple effect across the country. With the rising of power prices, there is an increase in production costs, triggering a further increase in prices. Apart from capital flight as a result of the high cost production, majority of Kenyans who are already overburdened by the high cost of living and increased taxation will be forced to endure more expensive electricity. Small-scale entrepreneurs will be forced out of the market or decide to downsize, further increasing the rate of unemployment. This is unfair and only an uncaring Government will allow its people to be exploited to such an extent. As a legislature, we owe it to our constituents to complain and demand better affordable power from Kenya Power to the citizens of this country. Kenya Power is a public enterprise that should strive to serve the general public above making profits. I thank you."
}