As the government plans to end the monopoly enjoyed by Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), two companies have announced that they intend to submit applications for licenses to generate and retail electricity.
In a notice on Monday, October 7, the applicants — SOMA Properties Limited, Amritso Limited, and Gresa Limited trading as SOMA Associates — stated that they plan to apply to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) as required by law.
A SOMA director said the companies will apply for two licenses, including an Electric Power Generation License and a Retail Supply License.
“Notice is hereby given that SOMA Properties Limited, Amritso Limited, and Gresa Limited t/a SOMA Associates (the Applicants), intend to apply to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for the following respective licenses: an Electric Power Generation License and a Retail Supply License (the Licenses),” the notice reads in part.
According to the director, the applications for the licenses will be made pursuant to Section 119 of the Energy Act, No. 1 of 2019, and the Energy (Electricity Licensing) Regulations, 2012, fifteen days after the date of this notice, October 22, 2024.
SOMA Properties Limited is a private limited company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Kenya with registration number C.6045 and registered offices at L.R No. 209/1478, Kijabe Street, Nairobi, Kenya.
Amritso Limited and Gresa Limited t/a SOMA Associates is a firm registered under the laws of the Republic of Kenya with business registration number 90575 and registered offices at Sarit Centre, Pio Gama Pinto Road, Nairobi, Kenya.
“The grant of the licenses will not have an adverse effect on the public or local authorities, companies, persons, or bodies of persons within the areas of the undertaking,” another part of the notice reads.
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How to Submit Objections
Additionally, the director said a copy of each application to EPRA will be available for inspection by the public at the registered offices of the Applicants. However, the applications will be available once submitted to EPRA, subject to confidentiality considerations.
The companies directed any individual, local authority, company, or body of persons desirous of making any representation or objection to the applications to do so by letter addressed to EPRA, marked “Electric Power License Objection” on the outside of the cover enclosing it.
“This should be done on or before the expiration of thirty days from the date of each application as stated in this notice, and a copy of such representation or objection must be forwarded to the registered offices of the Applicants,” the notice added.
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KPLC Monopoly
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi recently announced that electricity producers will be allowed to sell power directly to consumers in the first quarter of 2025.
Wandayi said the Energy (Electricity Market, Bulk Supply and Open Access) Regulations 2024, whose draft was published in February for public scrutiny, are being fine-tuned before being sent to the Attorney-General for approval.
The implementation of the regulations will end the monopoly of state-run Kenya Power.
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