By Linet Amuli - Reporter
Kenya, November 24, 2025 - Kenya Power has unveiled a new automated meter-scanning technology aimed at improving billing accuracy and ending widespread complaints over estimated or erroneous electricity bills.
In a statement released on Monday, November 24, 2025, the utility announced the deployment of an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system that replaces traditional manual meter reading. The digital solution captures meter readings instantly by scanning the display, removing the need for workers to manually input numbers.
According to Kenya Power’s Commercial Cycle Manager, Richard Wida, the introduction of OCR marks a major step forward in the company’s ongoing digital modernization.
“Technology continues to drive our business forward. With OCR, meter readers only need to scan the device, and the system automatically extracts the meter number and reading. It speeds up the process and reduces errors associated with manual entry,” Wida said.
The rollout comes after a successful six-month pilot conducted in Nairobi beginning in March 2025. Kenya Power will now implement the technology across its eight operational regions.
The company aims to use OCR to read all 1.8 million postpaid meters currently reliant on manual reading. The system is expected to significantly minimize billing inconsistencies linked to inaccurate data capture.
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Wida emphasized that the new tool complements several other digital solutions the firm has adopted to improve efficiency and customer experience.
Among these are Kenya Power’s self-service channels, such as the Mypower App and USSD code *977#,which allow postpaid customers to input their own meter readings each month for more accurate billing.
The utility also revealed that it plans to extend OCR functionality to customers through the self-reading platform. This upgrade would enable users to scan their meters using their mobile phones, submitting readings with enhanced accuracy and convenience.
“In the long term, we want customers using the self-reading service to access OCR so they can quickly scan and submit their meter readings with minimal risk of error. It aligns with our commitment to expanding digital access,” Wida added.
Kenya Power has further complemented its digital push with the rollout of smart meters for large consumers, SMEs, and selected households, devices that support two-way communication, remote reading, and remote connection management.
