Kenyans are reeling from the shock of the reduced amount of tokens they receive when they purchase electricity. The amount of electricity that can be bought with a 1000 shilling note has decreased from 62.72 units last year to 38.32 units currently. The token amount of 1000 shillings worth of electricity is now 624.61 shillings, while other charges, such as Value Added Tax (VAT), cost 375.39 shillings. Kenya Power no longer lists VAT charges on their bills. Customers are perplexed by the increase in power costs, with some stating that the same amount of 1000 shillings worth of tokens that previously served them for two months now lasts less time. Some netizens have expressed their outrage over the high power costs. Initially, Kenya Power would send a detailed bill to consumers, breaking down the costs of every charge. However, the company ceased doing so due to complaints. The breakdown included forex and fuel adjustment charges, VAT, EPRA levy, inflation adjustment, and water regulator fees. While some consumers viewed the detailed billing as a form of transparency, others did not comprehend it. Some customers, including MP Amina Mnyanzi, do not understand the charges, stating that the remaining balance after buying tokens covered incomprehensible charges. Chief Economist Ken Gichinga cites low water levels at hydroelectric power plants and low dollar exchange rates as the primary causes of the increased electricity prices. He hopes that the high power costs will decrease following the start of the long rains in a few months, resulting in increased water levels in the dams and other hydroelectric sources.
Why Your Electricity Tokens Have Reduced by Half
