By Magdalene Wanja - Reporter
Kenya, 3 June 2026 - In a move that signals both caution and consumer protection, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has withdrawn Kenya Power and Lighting Company’s (KPLC) application to review retail electricity tariffs.
The application, filed on 31 March 2026, had raised concerns among households and businesses about potential cost hikes.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the withdrawal followed extensive consultations within government and with sector stakeholders.
He framed the decision as a balancing act: sustaining the energy sector while shielding Kenyans from higher bills.
“This decision reflects the need to buttress a sustainable energy sector while protecting households, businesses, and industries from cost escalation,” Wandayi noted, adding that the ministry’s priority is to support economic growth and safeguard livelihoods.
Legal Guardrails in Place
Under the Energy Act, 2019, tariff reviews must pass through a rigorous process — submission to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), technical evaluation, stakeholder consultations, and public participation.
The law insists that tariff setting be guided by transparency, fairness, cost recovery, consumer protection, and long-term reliability.
What It Means for Consumers
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With the withdrawal, current electricity tariffs remain unchanged.
The ministry assured Kenyans of uninterrupted power supply under the existing structure, emphasising that any future adjustments will follow due process.
Public Participation and Trust
The ministry acknowledged the role of public feedback in shaping the decision, thanking consumers and industry players for their input.
It pledged to continue issuing timely updates on energy policy and regulatory developments.
The withdrawal will be a breather for Kenya’s broader energy challenge: balancing affordability with sustainability in a sector critical to economic growth.
Households and businesses can now breathe easier until the next legally mandated review.