The latest adjustments, published in the Kenya Gazette, show an increase of Ksh4.78 per kilowatt hour (kWh), a change that will affect both small consumers and large households.
The new update comes shortly after reports—similar to the ones we earlier highlighted—showed growing pressure on electricity production costs.
It now appears EPRA has moved in that same direction, confirming the concerns many Kenyans already had.
EPRA noted that the biggest contributor to the price hike is the rising fuel cost used in generating electricity.
With thermal power still part of Kenya’s energy mix, the amount paid for fuel directly affects the final electricity tariff.
According to the authority, all electricity units purchased in November will include an additional 381 cents per kWh to cover fuel energy costs.
This charge is reviewed every month depending on global fuel prices and local generation needs.
The cost of foreign exchange also played a role in the new tariff. Because Kenya imports machinery, fuel, and other power-related components using foreign currency, fluctuations in the shilling affect the cost of electricity.
To manage this, EPRA set the foreign exchange adjustment at 95.89 cents per kWh for all meter readings taken this month.
This means households using prepaid meters and businesses on postpaid billing will feel the impact almost immediately.
Another small but notable adjustment is the addition of 1.29 cents per kWh to the Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA) levy.
This fee goes toward managing Kenya’s water sources, a major component in hydro power generation.
Though this charge appears minor, it contributes to the overall rise when combined with other adjustments.
For an average household that uses about 50 units per month, the new changes translate to about Ksh237.50 more in November.
This estimate includes the updated fuel charge, forex adjustment, and WRMA levy.
EPRA reminded consumers that these are not the only charges included in electricity billing. Other mandatory costs still apply, such as:
16% Value Added Tax (VAT)
EPRA Levy charged at 3 cents per unit
Rural Electrification Programme (REP) Levy, set at 5% of the units consumed
Inflation Adjustment, which is reviewed twice a year to reflect both local and global inflation trends
These additional charges remain part of every electricity purchase, especially for Kenyans using prepaid tokens.
The latest review has sparked fresh conversations about the cost of living, with many Kenyans saying power prices have become difficult to manage.
Some households have already started reducing electricity usage, while others are shifting to alternative sources like solar to cut down on monthly expenses.
EPRA has maintained that the adjustments are necessary to keep the electricity supply stable and ensure producers can meet demand without interruptions.
However, consumers hope future reviews will offer some relief as fuel prices stabilize and the shilling recovers.
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