- EPRA has introduced three new charges on electricity bills starting April 2026
- The levies come as global fuel prices rise due to geopolitical tensions
- Consumers will pay extra costs linked to fuel, foreign exchange changes, and water levies
- The total added charge is about KSh 4.72 per kilowatt-hour before taxes
- The move has sparked renewed concern over the cost of living in Kenya
Electricity users across the country are set to face higher bills after a fresh review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority. The regulator has confirmed the introduction of three additional charges that will appear on April 2026 power bills. The decision was made public through official gazette notices released on April 24. These changes come at a time when households are already struggling with high living costs. The new charges are expected to increase pressure on consumers.
The timing of the adjustments has raised concern among many Kenyans. Global energy markets have remained unstable due to ongoing tensions in oil-producing regions. This has pushed up the cost of fuel used in electricity generation. As a result, local power costs have also been affected. EPRA says the adjustments reflect real-time changes in production costs.
The regulator has introduced three separate levies that will be applied per unit of electricity consumed. These include costs linked to fuel usage, currency fluctuations, and water resource management. In total, the additional charges amount to about KSh 4.72 per kilowatt-hour before taxes and other fixed fees. However, the final bill will vary depending on how much electricity a customer uses. Higher consumption will naturally lead to higher charges.
The first and largest charge is the Fuel Energy Cost Charge. It stands at 347 cents per kilowatt-hour and is tied to fuel used in power generation. This mainly affects diesel and thermal plants that rely on imported or locally sourced fuel. The second is the Foreign Exchange Fluctuation Adjustment, set at 123.41 cents per unit. The third is a smaller Water Resource Management Authority levy of 1.54 cents per unit.
EPRA has explained that fuel and currency movements play a major role in determining electricity prices. Many power agreements are priced in US dollars, which exposes the sector to exchange rate changes. When the shilling weakens, electricity costs tend to rise. This is because Kenya must pay more in local currency for the same dollar-denominated expenses. The adjustment is meant to cover those gaps.
The fuel component is also directly linked to how electricity is produced. Diesel-powered stations are among the most expensive to operate. Reports show that fuel costs vary widely across different plants in the country. Some off-grid areas face even higher costs due to limited energy sources. This makes electricity more expensive in remote regions compared to urban centres.
The Water Resource Management Authority levy applies mainly to hydropower generation. It is calculated from the energy produced by major dams and stations across the country. These include plants such as Gitaru, Kiambere, Turkwel, and Sondu Miriu, among others. The levy is distributed across the total national electricity production. This ensures all consumers contribute to water resource management.
According to the regulator, the hydropower charge is relatively small compared to fuel and forex adjustments. However, it remains part of the overall billing structure. EPRA says the system is designed to recover actual costs incurred by power producers. It also ensures the sustainability of water and energy resources. Critics, however, argue that cumulative charges continue to burden consumers.
The new electricity charges come shortly after a separate adjustment in fuel prices. Earlier in April 2026, EPRA announced a reduction in pump prices following public pressure. Petrol and diesel dropped below the KSh 200 mark after several months of increases. The move was partly influenced by a reduction in VAT on petroleum products. This offered some short-term relief to motorists.
Despite the reduction, many Kenyans expressed dissatisfaction. Some argued that the drop was too small compared to previous increases. Others said the cost of transport and basic goods remained high. Political leaders also weighed in on the matter, warning of public frustration over rising living costs. The debate highlights ongoing pressure on households as energy prices fluctuate.
Energy pricing remains a sensitive issue in Kenya as households and businesses struggle with inflation. The latest electricity adjustments are likely to renew debate over affordability. While regulators insist the changes reflect real costs, consumers continue to feel the squeeze. The gap between policy explanations and public experience remains wide. This tension is expected to shape future energy discussions.
For now, electricity users will have to adjust to the new billing structure starting in April. EPRA maintains that the changes are necessary to keep the power system running. However, public pressure is unlikely to ease soon. As global energy markets remain unstable, more adjustments could follow. The cost of power remains a key national concern moving forward.
