Strategies Used by Kenya Power and Lighting Company Ltd to Reduce Non-technical Electricity Losses

Abstract

Electricity is one of the major drivers of the economy and is one of the prime movers of the modern sector of the economy in Kenya’s vision 2030. Electricity is the most sought after energy source by Kenyan society. The energy sector in Kenya has long been facing the gigantic problem of Non-technical electricity losses. The existing law governing the electricity sector is insufficient to control the causes of Non-technical electricity losses. There exists therefore a dire need for a whole set of strategies to reduce the Non-technical electricity losses. The purpose of the study was to investigate the strategies used by the Kenya Power & Lighting Company Ltd to reduce non-technical electricity losses. The objectives of the study were to establish the various strategies used by the Kenya Power & Lighting Company to reduce nontechnical electricity losses and also to establish the factors that influence non-technical electricity losses in the company. The study used the case study design to gather qualitative data using an interview guide and it focused on the Kenya Power & Lighting Company. Secondary data from the company reports including the strategic plan reports was also incorporated. The primary data upon being cleaned and presented according to the study themes was analyzed through content analysis (qualitative analysis). The findings suggested that customers are involved in causing Non-technical electricity losses and sometimes this is facilitated by Kenya power employees. The company has adopted several technologies and operational strategies to reduce the Non-technical electricity losses. It is recommended that the company should adopt more recent and efficient technologies to reduce Non-technical electricity losses and consider bulk metering for the informal settlement areas. The company should also involve the major stakeholders in power supply in order to be more successful as well as carry out intensive training to enhance skills and integrity values.