The discussion was led by Energy and Petroleum Principal Secretary (PS) Alex Wachira during a recent visit to Tatu City.

Part of the discussion was on the current and proposed thresholds for metering voltages and tariffs for SEZs in Kenya, following the gazettement of SEZ tariffs.

The SEZ-specific energy tariffs currently apply to SEZs connected and metered at 220kV and 132kV.

A proposal was given to EPRA, the energy sector regulator, to accelerate the promulgation of the various draft energy regulations.

“We understand the importance of more investors coming to Kenya to power demand, generation and job opportunities for Kenyans,” PS Wachira said.

“We are working on the best way to address citizens’ concerns about the rising power costs to reduce operation costs for businesses and the daily costs for households.”

PS Wachira also pointed out the government’s accomplishments in improving power reliability and capacity, deploying robust infrastructure in IT and road networks, and nurturing a skilled workforce to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

Tatu City has invested more than Sh40 billion in infrastructure, including a 135MVA-66/11kV substation, solar photovoltaic power plants for renewable energy generation, 31km of medium voltage lines, 50km of underground low voltage and medium voltage networks, distribution transformers, and modern street lighting solutions.

Tatu City’s power uptime is currently above 99%, a result of the activation of the city’s 66/11kV/135MVA substation, which is an unprecedented private investment in East Africa.

Power demand in Tatu City is accelerating as more businesses and residents move to the city.

Kenya’s first operational SEZ (special economic zone), Tatu City, is home to more than 75 companies, including Dormans, Copia, Cooper K-Brands, Grit Real Estate Income Group, Twiga Foods, CCI Global, Freight Forwarders Solutions, Friendship Group, Davis & Shirtliff, and KWAL.