03/06/2026
As Kenya pursues its industrialization agenda, access to affordable, reliable, and high-quality electricity remains one of the most critical enablers of manufacturing competitiveness.
Today, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in partnership with Kenya Power convened a Nairobi region manufacturers and large power consumers forum to discuss opportunities and challenges in the country's energy landscape.
The engagement underscored the direct link between power supply and industrial productivity with a special focus on power affordability, reliability, predictability, and quality. During the forum, manufacturers noted that frequent unplanned outages and voltage fluctuations continue to disrupt production processes, damage sensitive equipment, increase operational costs, and affect delivery timelines. For manufacturers operating continuous production lines, a brief interruption can translate into significant financial losses, wastage of raw materials, missed market opportunities, and reduced competitiveness.
Speaking during the forum, KAM Chief Executive, Tobias Alando, appreciated the sustained engagement between industry and Kenya Power, noting that it provides a platform for identifying practical solutions that support industrial expansion and improve the business environment.
A key concern raised by manufacturers was the growing occurrence of unplanned outages and the need for enhanced communication and transparency around power interruptions. Predictability in power supply allows businesses to plan operations, mitigate losses, and maintain productivity.
Responding to the concerns, Eng Rosemary Oduor, Kenya Power General Manager for Commercial and Services & Sales highlighted their commitment to improving service delivery through continued investment in infrastructure, grid modernization, and smart metering technologies. She noted that over 90% of large power consumers are now connected to smart meters, enabling access to real-time consumption data and supporting better energy management.
Eng David Ngua Syengo, Kenya Power Ag. General Manager, Network Management, highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen network performance through enhanced power quality monitoring and voltage regulation.
The forum also featured a panel discussion with Amit Shah, Director Ashut Engineers & Ashut Plastics, Jackson Anakadi, Ramco Group, Eng. Raphael Ndolo, Regional Manager, Distribution Networks, Eng. Hicks Waswa, Nairobi Region Manager, Kenya Power and Eng. Dalton Langat, Manager, Sales Kenya Power.
Strengthening collaboration between manufacturers and energy providers will be critical in unlocking productivity, attracting investment, creating jobs, and accelerating the country's journey towards sustainable economic growth.
