Drought threatens to raise power prices
Kenyans may soon face a rise in power prices if the persistent drought in the country continues. Energy Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir, revealed that seven major dams in the country are showing alarmingly low water levels, which may force the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (Kengen) to shut down the Masinga Dam, causing a cut in power production.
“As we are all aware, for the last 5 years we have had a serious failure in the rains and you will appreciate when you see the water levels that we have a challenge. So we are here today to appreciate the management of the hydrology and what we have to do to make sure the water levels are able to support us until the period we will experience longer rains,” Chirchir said during a visit to Kamburu Dam in Embu County after viewing the Masinga Dam in Machakos County.
Masinga Dam, which produces 40 megawatts of power, serves as a reservoir for the other four dams, namely Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma, and Kiambeere. Chirchir highlighted that if the catchment areas around Mount Kenya, which feed the River Tana, do not receive rainfall by March 10, then Kengen will have to scale down power production.
As a result, Kengen will have to rely on more expensive sources of energy such as geothermal and diesel to fill the power gap, which will automatically push power prices higher. “The use of geothermal and diesel as alternative sources of energy will increase the cost of power production, which will be reflected in the prices consumers will pay,” Chirchir warned.
The ongoing drought has caused widespread concern in Kenya, with several regions already declared disaster zones. The situation has been exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has resulted in reduced rainfall across the country.
“The situation is critical and we are closely monitoring the situation. We urge the public to use water and power sparingly to ensure that the available resources are sustained for as long as possible,” Chirchir added.
The government is taking measures to mitigate the impact of the drought, including the construction of more dams and the expansion of geothermal and solar power production. However, the country’s reliance on hydroelectric power has made it vulnerable to the effects of drought, and the potential rise in power prices serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in alternative sources of energy.
This is as it emerges that the proposed average 40% increase in electricity bills could result in a 78% increase in the cost of electricity if approved by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), expected to take effect on April 1.
In addition to the proposed tariffs, households will also be subject to other costs, including Fuel Energy Cost, Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuation Adjustment, Water Levy, Value Added Tax, Rural Electrification Program Levy, and more.
In the proposal, Kenya Power has reduced the zero to 100KWh hour bracket to zero to 30KWh and has increased the group’s rate per unit from KES 10 to KES 14. This means that households consuming 50 units per month, the lowest figure used by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, will now spend KES 700 on power, up from KES 500.
Small commercial entities and large consumers, such as factories, will also see an increase in rates per unit, with additional charges and levies pushing costs further.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.