Auditor General Nancy Gathungu Releases Report Exposing Trouble In Kenya Power

Kenya Power is under scrutiny as an audit report unveils that thousands of customers, having paid a total of Sh12 billion for electricity connections, remain in the dark.

According to the audit report, some individuals have been waiting for up to 11 years despite fulfilling the required fees.

The report indicates that approximately 8,506 projects worth Sh14.3 billion are lagging behind their execution schedules, with delays ranging from three to 13 years. Kenya Power’s Customer Service Charter outlines a connection window between seven and 28 days, depending on the type.

However, the audit reveals that the company has neglected this guideline.in her report, auditor General Nancy Gathungu criticized Kenya Power for holding customer electricity connection fees amounting to Sh12,079,656,000.

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2023-12-15-exposed-the-trouble-with-kenya-power/

Some projects, paid for 11 years ago, have not commenced. The delayed connections not only affect customers but also impact the company’s revenue.

The audit report sheds light on irregularities in Kenya Power’s management, including payments to ‘ghost’ suppliers exceeding Sh488 million without proper documentation. Additionally, former CEO Bernard Ngugi received Sh26,820,648 as a final exit payment after his abrupt resignation in 2021.

Gathungu highlighted concerns about Kenya Power’s capability to prudently manage power losses, electricity connections, and pass-through costs. The report revealed a lack of coordination in projects, leading to duplicated, delayed, or abandoned endeavors, causing avoidable additional losses.