Kenya Power has posted a staggering 470% surge in contracts awarded to enterprises owned by youth, women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), with tenders worth KSh 3.5 billion handed out in the financial year ended 30 June 2025.
The figure dwarfs the KSh 614 million awarded to the same groups in the previous year, marking the highest level of inclusive procurement the utility has achieved in the past eight years.
Speaking during the release of the results, Kenya Power’s General Manager for Supply Chain and Logistics, Dr John Ngeno, attributed the leap to deliberate sensitisation campaigns that have encouraged more special-group businesses to bid for contracts.
“Last year we were intentional in meeting and sensitising the youth, women and PWDs about the procurement opportunities that exist within the company. Our efforts have led to these impressive results,” Dr Ngeno said.
Under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) programme, public entities are required to reserve 30% of their procurements for youth, women and PWD-owned firms. In the 2024/25 financial year:
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-Youth-owned enterprises took the lion’s share with KSh 2.2 billion
-Women-owned businesses secured KSh 1.25 billion
-PWD-owned firms were awarded KSh 66.7 million
Looking ahead, Kenya Power plans to intensify training and step-by-step guidance on the bidding process, with particular focus on PWDs who have historically lagged behind. The company will also partner with financial institutions to link successful bidders to affordable financing and introduce prompt-payment initiatives to improve cash flow for these enterprises.
Dr Ngeno added that internal sensitisation across all Kenya Power departments will continue, alongside the creation of dedicated AGPO support teams to ensure the momentum is sustained.
The breakthrough comes as public and private sector players step up efforts to meet AGPO targets and promote broader economic inclusion across the country.
