High voltage transmission line wayleave problems and strategies: a case study of Kenya Power and Lighting Company limited

Abstract

The Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited (KPLC), through their extensive power line network, has the monopoly of transmitting, distributing and supplying electric energy in Kenya. Wayleaves allows for the erection of these power lines. Legislature providing for wayleaves in Kenya is the Wayleaves Act Cap 292 of the laws of Kenya. As much as wayleaves is fundamental in this utility provision, many challenges are encountered in the acquisition especially so, in the electric energy public utility sector. These challenges are made intricate due to nature of land tenure in Kenya, which confers unique rights on private property especially where there are no direct benefits accruing to the landowners.

This study seeks to determine the challenges and problems encountered by KPLC when the company is acquiring wayleaves and also to establish the extent to which KPLC has adopted certain strategies to cope with these wayleave challenges and problems. Strategic management tools become important in acquiescing of wayleaves from landowners. Since the statutes upholds private property rights, yet to KPLC the realization of the company's objectives is paramount, then the company must avoid situations where the landowners may in future renege on past concession for this right of way. This will be made possible if the power company undertakes due processes such as formulation of long-term strategic plans and prudent implementation practices to embrace stakeholder interests.

This paper highlights need and purpose necessitating wayleaves acquisition, challenges posed in the process, legislature dealing with this easement and the strategic management approaches applicable for counteracting the wayleave challenges to enable willing concession for this easement by landowners. Recommendations made are for policy and practices. They include open negotiations with the landowners, effective communication skills, adequate compensation rates and overall stakeholder participation through out the implementation stage. However for comprehensiveness in formulating policy recommendations are made for areas needing further research.