By Selian Mbari
Members of Parliament are demanding swift intervention from the National Treasury over a Kshs. 30 billion debt owed to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), which they say is crippling rural electrification efforts across Kenya.
This follows a postponed session of the Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy, which was postponed on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, after Treasury officials failed to appear.
The meeting, held at the Mini-Chamber, County Hall, was meant to bring together KPLC, the Ministry of Energy and the National Treasury to address stalled rural electrification projects.
Only the Ministry of Energy was represented, through Principal Secretary Alex Wachira. Treasury’s written submission, which stated that the Kshs. 30 billion owed was “not commercially viable,” triggering outrage among MPs, who called it dismissive of national priorities.
“This government does a lot in the social space, even when it’s not commercially viable, because it’s a moral responsibility. We have a two-page document from the PS Treasury saying the Kshs. 30 billion owed to KPLC is not commercially viable to fund. That is an insult to the government’s last-mile agenda. The PS should come back with submissions that align with government policy,” stated Soy MP David Kiplagat.
Vice-Chairperson John Ariko, MP Turkana South, said Treasury’s inaction was undermining power access in regions like Elwak, Mfangano, Fatuma Solar, Halado, and Fiba.
“Treasury owes KPLC Kshs. 30 billion and now tells us they will only ‘consider’ repayment in the next fiscal year. Is it because they walk around with money in their pockets?” he asked.
Nyeri MP Maina Mathenge called the Treasury’s absence a constitutional failure, adding, “It’s unacceptable to profile regions and say they are not viable for electrification. That’s not just wrong but also shameful.”
Committee Chairperson Hon. David Pkosing reiterated the Committee’s commitment to accountability.
“We are not here to defend KPLC, REREC, or any Ministry. We are here to defend the people of Kenya. We will not allow a culture of musical chairs while citizens suffer in the dark.” He said.
He emphasized that the Committee expects the National Treasury PS to appear without fail on Tuesday next week, or risk further Parliamentary action.
“This Committee is not a rubber stamp. We are elected to serve the people of Kenya, and if the PS doesn’t show up, we will escalate this. We want solutions, not excuses,” directed Hon. Pkosing.