Kenyans are set to pay more for electricity in August following a new adjustment to electricity charges by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The latest changes will increase the cost of electricity by KSh4.7027 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity consumed during the month.
The increase is linked to several components used to determine electricity prices, including the fuel energy cost charge, foreign exchange adjustment and water resource management levy.
The new charges come at a time when households and businesses are already dealing with increased living expenses. The higher electricity costs could therefore put additional pressure on consumers and businesses that rely heavily on power.
Small businesses, manufacturers and other companies with high electricity consumption may feel the impact more strongly as their operating expenses increase.
The latest adjustment also comes amid continued changes in Kenya's energy sector as the country expands its use of renewable sources such as solar and wind power.
While renewable energy is playing a growing role in electricity generation, managing different sources of power remains an important challenge for the national electricity grid.
For ordinary consumers, the latest increase means electricity bills could take up a larger share of monthly household expenses.
The adjustment is likely to renew concerns among Kenyans over the rising cost of electricity and its impact on the wider cost of living.