Kenya power headquaters in Nairobi [photo/cofek.co.ke]

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The amount of money Kenya paid Uganda for import of electricity has more than tripled in a year.

This is according to Kenya power,which says that it paid sh3.9 billion to their neighboring counterparts, Uganda electricity transmission company (UETCL). This figure is a significant far cry from the sh1.1 billion it paid Uganda for power last year.

Kenya power has attributed this significant price influx to high levels of drought of experienced in the country mid last year, which reduced water levels in dams and therefore cut down hydroelectric power levels.

“The imports were necessary to serve Western Kenya as drought took a toll on Sondu Miriu hydropower station that supplies the region,” a statement by the energy regulatory commission on the issue read in part.

The country imported 169 million kilowatts hours (kWh) of electricity within a period of eight months, compared to the 48 million kilowatts within the same period last year, translating to approximately 250 per cent increase.

Kenya is directly connected to Uganda through the Tororo electricity transmission line, therefore creating convenience grounds for importation in bulk.

Apart from Uganda, Kenya also obtains power imports from Ethiopia to cater to Moyale and the greater part of Marsabit County.