By Mandere Onyinkwa
The government has withdrawn Kenya Power’s application for a review of retail electricity tariffs, effectively halting a process that could have led to changes in power charges.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the decision followed consultations within government and engagement with key stakeholders in the energy sector.
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The application had been submitted by Kenya Power on March 31, 2026. The move comes days after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) had postponed public hearings on the proposed tariff review.
“The retail electricity tariff review application submitted on 31st March 2026 by KPLC has been withdrawn,” Wandayi said.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the decision was made to support a sustainable energy sector while shielding consumers and businesses from additional costs.
“This decision reflects the need to buttress a sustainable energy sector while protecting households, businesses, and industries from cost escalation,” he said, adding that it is intended to “support economic growth, safeguard livelihoods and create jobs.”
The ministry emphasized that any review of electricity tariffs must follow a strict legal and regulatory process under the Energy Act, 2019.
This includes the submission of an application to EPRA, technical evaluation, stakeholder consultations and public participation before any changes can be approved.
Wandayi noted that tariff setting is guided by principles of transparency, fairness, cost recovery, consumer protection and the long-term sustainability of electricity supply.
“The law further requires that electricity tariff setting be guided by the principles of transparency, fairness, cost recovery, consumer protection, and the long-term reliability and sustainability of power supply,” he said.
The withdrawal means that the current retail electricity tariffs will remain in force until any future review is undertaken in accordance with the law.
“Following the withdrawal of the application, the current retail electricity tariffs shall remain in force and unchanged, unless otherwise lawfully reviewed in accordance with the Energy Act and applicable regulatory procedures,” the statement added.
The ministry also assured consumers that the withdrawal of the application would not affect electricity supply across the country.
“The withdrawal of the application does not affect the continued delivery of electricity services. Consumers and businesses should continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to electricity under the current tariff structure,” Wandayi said.
The proposed tariff review had attracted significant public interest amid concerns over the cost of living and rising energy expenses.
EPRA had already initiated a public participation process on the application covering the 2026/27 to 2028/29 tariff control period before the latest government decision.
The ministry thanked consumers, industry players and members of the public for their participation in the process and pledged to continue providing updates on policy and regulatory developments in the energy sector.
