When Kenya Power & Lighting Company Plc (KPLC) announced a fresh tender for 2,555 pole‑mounted distribution transformers, the utility signaled a serious push to keep the grid humming as new connections soar. The invitation, released on June 27, 2025, asks eligible local manufacturers to submit bids by . John Mutua, a Business Daily Africa reporter, first broke the story, noting that the move follows an April procurement worth Sh3.9 billion.
Background: Why Kenya Needs More Transformers
Electricity demand in Kenya has been climbing at roughly 10 % per year, driven by rapid urbanisation, expanding industry, and a surge in illegal connections that overload the network. Alex Vashira, Energy Principal Secretary, warned that “illegal connections are a major cause of transformer failures, especially in regions we prefer not to name.” The resulting damage leaves households and businesses in darkness, prompting KPLC to build a buffer of critical equipment.
Details of the New 2,555‑Transformer Tender
The current tender targets pole‑mounted units ranging from 25 kVA to 100 kVA. These devices step down high‑voltage power to levels safe for homes and commercial premises. KPLC’s own statement reads: “The Kenya Power & Lighting Company Plc invites bids from eligible tenderers for the supply of pole‑mounted distribution transformers (local manufacturers).” No monetary value was disclosed, but the scale suggests a multi‑million‑shilling contract.
Local firms have until the July 4 deadline to lodge their proposals, after which KPLC will evaluate them based on technical compliance, price, and delivery schedule. The utility hopes to complete the award within two weeks, mirroring the swift pace of its April procurement.
Earlier April Procurement and Its Impact
Back in April 2025, KPLC launched a Sh3.9 billion tender for 3,319 distribution transformers, overseen by John Ngeno, General Manager for Supply Chain and Logistics. That deal allocated more than 85 % of the units to customers who had already paid for new connections, with the remaining stock earmarked to replace stolen or vandalised transformers across the country.
The April order comprised 1,079 units of 50 kVA 11/0.42 kV and 840 units of 50 kVA 33/0.42 kV, among others. KPLC aimed to ship the equipment within 14 days—a target it met after earlier delays caused by budget cuts from the National Treasury. The rapid turnaround helped reconnect thousands of paying customers and reduced the number of outages linked to transformer theft.
Government Support and the Broader Infrastructure Push
In June 2025, the Kenyan government pledged Sh4.3 billion (approximately $33.2 million) to replace over 20,000 defective transformers nationwide. This funding underpins a larger 4.3 billion‑shilling initiative to modernise the grid, reinforce distribution lines, and curb commercial losses from inefficiencies.
Beyond KPLC’s own network, the transformed stock will support entities such as the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), which battles transformer shortages that impede rural power connections. By sourcing locally, the tender also aims to boost Kenya’s manufacturing sector, creating jobs and reducing reliance on imports.
Challenges Ahead and What Lies Next
Despite the aggressive procurement schedule, KPLC still faces hurdles. Budget constraints linger, and the persistence of illegal connections threatens to sap the lifespan of newly installed units. Moreover, supply‑chain bottlenecks for raw steel and copper could delay production, especially if global commodity prices stay high.
Looking forward, KPLC plans to monitor the performance of the newly installed transformers closely, using smart‑meter data to flag overloads early. The utility also intends to launch an awareness campaign targeting illegal connections, coupling enforcement with community outreach.
- Key Fact 1: 2,555 transformers requested, capacity 25‑100 kVA.
- Key Fact 2: Bids due by July 4, 2025.
- Key Fact 3: Earlier April tender secured 3,319 transformers for Sh3.9 billion.
- Key Fact 4: Government earmarked Sh4.3 billion to replace 20,000+ faulty units.
- Key Fact 5: Electricity demand growing ~10 % annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kenya Power focusing on pole‑mounted transformers now?
Pole‑mounted units are quicker to install and cheaper than pad‑mounted alternatives, making them ideal for rapidly expanding suburban areas where KPLC is seeing the highest surge in new connections.
How does the July 4 deadline affect local manufacturers?
The tight timeline pushes firms to showcase their production capacity and financial stability early, potentially rewarding those with already‑stocked inventory or efficient supply chains.
What role does the government’s Sh4.3 billion allocation play?
The funding backs a nationwide replacement programme, targeting over 20,000 defective transformers. It complements KPLC’s tender by ensuring there’s enough capital to cover the cost of both new and replacement units.
Will this procurement create jobs in Kenya?
Yes. By sourcing from local manufacturers, the tender is expected to generate hundreds of direct manufacturing jobs and ancillary work for logistics, installation, and maintenance crews.
How does illegal wiring affect transformer lifespan?
Illegal connections overload transformers, causing excessive heat and premature failure. This not only leads to costly replacements but also sporadic outages for legitimate customers.
Janette Cybulski
October 3, 2025 AT 06:57It's encouraging to see KPLC pushing for more locally‑made transformers – that kind of investment can really lift both the grid and the manufacturing sector. When firms get these contracts they’ll need to hire more skilled workers, which means jobs for engineers and welders in the area. Plus, shorter lead times from nearby factories should help keep the rollout on schedule, especially with demand climbing 10 % each year. Hopefully the new units will also be more resilient against the illegal hookups that keep causing outages. In the long run this could make power more reliable for households and small businesses alike.