Powering Kenya, Economically
Being
the sole distributor of electricity in Kenya, KPLC is tasked with a very
important task of ensuring that all Kenyans are connected with electricity. There
have been various efforts to connect not only urban areas but also rural areas
through the Rural Electrification Program. There have been various impacts that
are evident as a consequence of their efforts.
Being
an agricultural based economy, any effort to increase agricultural production in
the country means that it is directly reflected in the GDP. By rural
electrification, many farmers are now able to increase their production through
the use of modern electric powered machinery like incubators. Many poultry farmers
can now be able to rear chicken both for meat and other poultry products as the
presence of electric power ensures that their poultry and other ventures like
large scale dairy farming go well and efficiently.
Farm
produce like milk and other perishable goods are now being stored well in
refrigerators and freezers before delivery ensuring that there are minimal
loses to farmers.
Growth
of Businesses
Many
businesses that depend on electricity are coming up leading to employment of
youths especially in rural areas. For instance, cyber cafes are coming up in
these areas meaning that there is employment and also people are getting
connected to the internet. Another instance of a business being formed is welding
and fabrication works that require the massive use of electricity. Due to their
efforts in connecting the country, KPLC are triggering growth in the economy
and also the betterment of standards of living in the communities all over Kenya.
Education
Growing
up, electricity was a luxury to many people in Kenya; many people used other
forms of lighting for their studies. These means were often ineffective and
unreliable, but with the connection of electricity all over Kenya in homes and
also schools, students are having ample time to study. There is the constant supply
of lighting ensuring that they are studying well for a better future. Also, due
to this connection of electricity, schools are now using computers to equip
students with the necessary skills needed in this rapidly changing world.
This
can be reflected in the local primary school that I attended which five years
ago did not have electricity. Due to the connection of electricity in my
secondary school, I was able to attain computer skills that have proven to be
of use in many fields.
Information
Dissemination
Due
to electrification, now people in my village can keep up with the occurrences
in Kenya and also abroad by the use of various multimedia like Televisions and
also radios. This will ensure that they are in the know on all current affairs
and they can get to understand the role they are supposed to play in the
economy. Also, due to ease of accessing electricity, the use of mobile phones
has gone up. By being connected, these people are able to do various things
like use mobile money that has a positive effect on the economy.
