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{
    "id": 90688,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/90688/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 322,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. James Maina Kamau",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 34,
        "legal_name": "James Maina Kamau",
        "slug": "maina-kamau"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir. I will do exactly that because the copies are already before the House. The Committee notes that ERC has failed to deliver on its mandate, especially with regard to protecting energy consumers. This is reflected in the high cost of electricity in Kenya as compared to its neighbours, which is a key factor in driving investors out of the country. Further, the exorbitant cost has forced most Kenyans to resort to their traditional sources of energy such as charcoal and firewood, further depleting our environment. Unburdening the energy sub-sector, the Government intended to make the electricity clean, of good quality and affordable, which is evidently not the case. The Committee also notes with concern that under the Energy Act, the ERC is expected to ensure that industry players such as KenGen remain profitable and viable which impacts negatively on the consumers, despite the PPAs guaranteeing reasonable profits. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Energy Act be amended and that ERC puts back in place, feedback mechanisms to ensure that demand is met with reliable cost-effective and high quality energy services in an environmentally-friendly manner. The Committee further recommends that the Government increases subsidies for the transmission and operation costs so that they are not reflected in the tariffs and the consumer bills. The Committee notes that the public is misinformed on the operations of the various players in the power sector and recommends that the Government carry out public education to inform the public on the various initiatives and power players which will promote transparency in the energy sector. Further, the price variations reflected on the consumer bills should be demystified to the public. Finally, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, I urge this House to adopt this Report to increase the Government stake in KPLC and give a clear direction that KPLC is a parastatal and above all, protect electricity consumers from exploitation. I beg to move. I would request Eng. Gumbo to second this Motion."
}