Kenya Power procures 3,319 transformers from local manufacturers to clear customer backlog
Over 85 per cent of the transformers will be used to connect customers who have already paid for services, while the remaining units will replace those that have been vandalised, leaving customers without power.
Kenya Power procures 3,319 transformers from local manufacturers to clear customer backlog
Kenya Power has placed an urgent order for 3,319 distribution transformers to be sourced from local manufacturers within 14 days, aiming to tackle the backlog of customers waiting for connections and replace stolen transformers.
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According to the utility, over 85 per cent of the transformers will be used to connect customers who have already paid for services, while the remaining units will replace those that have been vandalised, leaving customers without power.
The power utility said the transformers should range in capacity from 25 kilovolt amperes (KVA) to 100 KVA, with the majority being 50 KVA 11/0.42KV units, which make up 1,079 pieces, followed by 840 pieces of 50 KVA 33/0.42KV units.
“Over 85 per cent of the transformers are meant to connect customers who have already paid up,” Kenya Power’s general manager for supply chain and logistics, John Ngeno, told Business Daily.
“The remainder is for replacing transformers that have been vandalised, plunging customers into darkness.”
The utility has moved quickly to issue the tender in a bid to expedite the procurement process, with a target to secure the transformers within a record 14 days. However, the value of the deal remains undisclosed.
The tender comes as Kenya Power faces increasing pressure to clear the backlog of customers who have already paid for connections but are still without power.
Budget cuts
The company’s ability to secure critical kits like transformers has been hindered by budget cuts imposed by the National Treasury last year.
“Kenya Power had budget challenges when the National Treasury slashed budgets for ministries and parastatals,” Ngeno said.
“As a result, Kenya Power did an initial tender in October 2024 for transformers that were out of stock and could be accommodated in the reduced budget.”
Kenya Power intends to procure any ready stock from local manufacturers whose supplies are not only for Kenya Power but also for other entities like the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation and private firms.
The shortage of transformers has delayed connections for many customers, with some businesses forced to endure significant losses as they wait for power.
“The new connections would have been higher had the utility not faced the biting shortage of transformers,” Ngeno said.
Kenya Power is also tackling issues of vandalism, which have exacerbated the transformer shortage. The utility has blamed rogue firms for court cases that have previously delayed the procurement of essential kits like transformers.
In response, Kenya Power has suggested it may seek exceptions for the procurement of special equipment to avoid further delays.
In the six months leading to December 2024, Kenya Power connected 194,654 new customers, growing its total customer base to 9.85 million. The surge in customer connections was attributed to the company’s improved financial performance, with its net profit jumping 30 times to Sh9.97 billion compared to Sh319 million during the same period in 2023.
The firm emphasised that connecting all paid-up customers remains a key priority as it looks to boost electricity sales and maintain profit growth.
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