Delayed KPLC tokens thrust Kenyans into darkness

Thousands of homes have been plunged into darkness following a three-day outage of Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC)’s token purchase system.

Frantic pre-paid customers have been forced to wait for upto 24 hours to obtain the tokens bought through M-Pesa.

The company has asked its 4.5 million customers on pre-paid meters to buy tokens in its banking halls as it rectifies the system.

“It’s very unfortunate for Kenyans that we cannot get electricity and as we are on the line we are hearing that there are some till numbers (M-Pesa) that are working.

“KPLC should enlighten customers on which till numbers to use. Our Members of Parliament should take this issue seriously and discuss it on the floor of the House,” one customer lamented.

Another customer said: “Shida ile iko I think ni monopoly.” A storm is now raging on social media as angry Kenyans vent their frustrations.

Jerotich Seii notes: “Dear Kenyans: Please understand that what Kenya Power is doing to you is criminal. #SwitchoffKPLC” Other Twitter users offered to explain what they believe is really going on.

One such person is Lawyer Apollo Mboya who started the Twitter hashtag #SwitchoffKPLC and took on a class suit against KPLC in January for corporate economic crimes against some 6.5million Kenyans who receive inflated electricity bills.

He suggests there is a deliberate attempt by the company to direct traffic to private vendors to distribute power.

He states in a tweet: “Compare the charges for pre-paid electricity tokens @KenyaPower with those of the cartels @PataPawaVending and @VenditKenya. You will understand why @KenyaPower pay bill numbers are not working & consumers are told to use the cartels. #SwitchOffKPLC”

Another social media user Sharon Jesang said: “Why should Kenya Power use 3rd parties to collect payments from its customers? Why should customers be charged when paying bills? Kenyan stop feeding cartels, enough is enough.”

Customers have the option of buying tokens directly from KPLC through M-Pesa Paybill number 888000 or to purchase via third parties.

The firm has asked customers to be patient as the online system is rectified or to visit their offices to top up their units.