Kenya Power has written off an additional Sh2.29 billion in unpaid electricity bills, bringing to a total a record Sh17.28 billion in outstanding bills that the utility has taken a hit on after losing hope of ever recovering them. Kenya Power usually charges a minimum deposit of Sh2,500 to be connected to the grid, partially covering defaults. Some of the main defaulters include counties and government ministries, departments, and agencies whose bills remain unpaid over several years. According to the draft 2024 Budget Policy Statement released by the Treasury last week, counties owe Kenya Power Sh3.49 billion as of September 2023, with Nairobi County alone owing Sh2.17 billion. Kenya Power said it employs several strategies that have proved largely successful in recovering debt from non-paying customers.

Source: Daily Nation December 25, 2023 16:16 UTC