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"content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also rise to support this very important Report. Let me initially indicate that it is important that we commend the Chairman of the Committee for developing very crucial findings and recommendations. If they are implemented, the performance of that industry will greatly improve and even acquire new transformation. With regard to the importation of electricity from neighbouring countries, I would like to say the following: That should not be allowed to happen in this country. We have our own resources. Water levels have improved. Our dams are full and we have geothermal plants. What should be happening is double production of energy from our geothermal plants. They should be expanded so that, instead of importing electricity and incurring heavy bills, that money can be used to expand geothermal electricity. The communities surrounding the geothermal plants should also benefit. We should not be seen as if we are creating unnecessary tension between the energy provider and the communities. Corporate responsibility must be seen. Those companies must be seen to be improving the welfare of those communities in terms of providing schools and heath centres. Concerning the role of Kenya Rural Electrification Authority--- That is a body that is doing very well in terms of electrifying our country. Therefore, the CEO of that Committee, Mr. Ayieko, is highly commended for doing what is right. Nevertheless, I wish to indicate that they have not been very fast in implementing some of the projects. Sometimes, a project takes two to three years to complete. Therefore, they should put more effort to make sure that the projects are implemented properly. At times, they do shoddy jobs. Sometimes, you find the power posts bending. At times, the holes are left uncovered for ages and they pose a great danger to the people living within those areas. So, the projects should be implemented as soon as possible. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the people who provide way-leaves are not compensated as soon as possible. It takes time and, therefore, it is the responsibility of the company or the Government to make sure that a good relationship between the way-leave providers and the company is properly maintained. Compensation must be given due attention and pending bills for way-leave providers must be sorted out as soon as possible. With regard to electricity bills, factories and industries are almost collapsing because of high bills. So, it is important that electricity bills are lowered so that we can continue industrializing our country and, in essence, create employment for our youth. Therefore, electricity bills must be lowered to expand the customer base. Another observation that I have noted concerns the illegal power connections. That should not be encouraged because it will interfere or jeopardize the lives of the users of that illegally connected power. It is high time serious action is taken. When transformers are stolen, KPLC takes ages to replace them. Hospitals, schools, water boreholes and security installations are affected. Service delivery is affected seriously. So, transformers must be fixed as soon as possible. I would like to commend the CEO of KPLC, Mr. Njoroge, for steering the company in the right direction. The company should also improve on its dividends when it is releasing its annual returns. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, with those few remarks, I fully support this timely Report."
}