Editorials

Get KPLC internet right

kplc

Kenya Power employees repair a transformer in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Kenya Power #ticker:KPLC  plans to connect its rural customers to the internet as a new revenue stream.

It is banking on the increased mobile data usage and the fibre-optic cables attached to its transmission lines to provide the service.

Again, the company boasts more than eight million customers, an indication that it has a huge pool of potential users, especially considering that the 4G services are limited.

However, Kenya Power (KPLC) ought to be sure that it has the capacity to offer this service that is the focus of well-run private companies.

Kenya Power should ask itself key questions, especially why it is lately struggling to provide power to its rural customers whose use is limited.

Irregular supply is the order of the day, hurting rural business. One of the things driving internet use is business and regular downtimes would be unacceptable.

It would not make sense to go into this business with intermittent services.

The company must be guided by firm facts and figures and only launch if the venture would make business sense.