Utility Services Applications in Kenya

Introduction

Water, electricity, sewerage, and internet connections play a pivotal role in ensuring communities thrive. These services are provided by different entities and processes to get connected. They vary depending on which company you are dealing with and options available at your location.
This article aims to guide you through the processes with tips to see you through while making the applications. This will ensure you enjoy these vital services and keep your home running smoothly. The context of this guide is a home in Nairobi and its environs. Some of the processes may work in other regions and this article will serve to give you an idea of what you can expect.

Electricity Application Process

In Kenya, electricity distribution is the sole mandate of the Kenya Power & Lighting Company Limited. They are responsible for new connections, billing, and maintenance of electrical distribution infrastructure in the whole country. 

The application can either be done online or physically at their offices countrywide. Online applications can be done on their website via this link. 

Before starting any application, you should establish what your load is likely going to be and whether you will be applying as a company or an individual. Application for both is similar to some extent and you will be filling in the same form but with selection different choices. 

Types of application include:

1. Standard Application- This is for loads less than 25kVA. The majority of domestic users and small commercial fall under this category. The power supply is a single-phase 240V connection. Small residential buildings or flats with less than a story fall in this category.
2. Premium Application- This is for estimated loads of greater than 25kVA. These are predominantly commercial users. Supply is done in three phases with a range of voltage levels such as 400V, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and 132kV. Residential apartments with more than two stories also fall into this category.
3. New- This refers to a new connection to existing buildings that did not have a grid power supply before application.
4. Temporary- This is for structures set up for a short period that require power. Some of these include construction sites, temporary shelters, etc.
5. Rerouting- This applies to existing electrical lines that need to be changed due to various factors but the supply of power to the customer is to be retained.
6. Group Application- This option is for individuals applying for power as a group from a common location and intend to utilize the power as a group.
7. Meter separation- This refers to existing customers who are metered and would like to split the common billing into individual or sectional billing depending on consumption. This can be a building, a company initially connected using a single meter and there are new users, and departments who would like to be billed individually based on their consumption.
8. Additional load- This applies to existing metered customers who would like to add new equipment or users that will significantly exceed the existing allocated load.

Documents Required to apply for power

1. Filled and Signed Enquiry for Supply of Electricity form
2. Copy of National ID or Company Registration Certificate
3. Route Sketch Map – showing the location of the building or site to be supplied with power
4. Copy of Title Deed and land search documents for the owner of the property. This can be generated from the ecitizen or lands registry by the landlord.
5. Wiring Certificates- obtained from Licensed electricians who did electrical installations for the premises.
6. Scaled Site Plan in CAD format (Premium Applicants)
7. Load Schedule Details (Premium Applicants) 
8. Copy of latest Electrical Bill/ Statement (Meter separation and Additional load Applicants)

The Enquiry of Supply Form can be found here. 

For Change of Name Applications, the process will involve filling out the Supply Contract form (found here) and submitting a letter of authorization to change the name from the previous owner. These two documents should be submitted along with IDs, Registration Certificates, PINs and title deeds.

There are no upfront application fees, however, once the documents submitted are processed, you will receive a reference number and later fees to be paid for connection.

Water Supply Application Process

Water supply in Kenya is regulated by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) and supplied to consumers via the nine (9) Water Works Development Agencies (WWDA) and several Water Service Providers (WSP) in particular areas. In Nairobi, the Athi Water Works Development Agency has contact with the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) to distribute and bill customers for water and sewerage services. 

The application process can be done online or physically at any of their offices in Nairobi County. The process requirements are a bit different depending on whether you are applying as an individual or a company. The customer will foot the expenses for purchasing materials and connection charges. If applying for borehole sewer attach copies of WRA approval and NCWSC Letter of no objection. Below are the requirements for each.

Individuals

1. Clear the existing bills in the LR or bills on any other existing contracts with NCWSC.
2. Attach Photocopy of applicant’s ID and KRA PIN.
3. You will be required to pin-point the location of your premise using GIS Mapping in the portal.
4. Attach one passport size photograph.
5. Attach Copy of Lease Agreement /Tenancy Agreement/ Title Deed/Rates Demand Note from Nairobi City County.
6. Attach copy of ID card and KRA PIN for the landlord (in case of tenant application).

Company/Organizations

1. Clear the existing bills in the LR.
2. Attach copy of PIN and Certificate of Incorporation. For signature, rubber stamp or seal is required. (Boreholes – Water Resources Authority ).
3. You will be required to pin-point the location of your premise using GIS Mapping.
4. Copy of Lease Agreement /Tenancy Agreement/ Title Deed/Rates Demand Note from Nairobi City County.
5. Attach copy of ID card and KRA PIN for the landlord (in case of tenant application).
6. For Sewer Application
7. Attach Drawing showing plan, Ground levels and invert levels of the proposed drain have been approved and stamped with the Nairobi Water Company stamp.
8. Customers requesting for sewer connection should provide their water account or evidence of water source during the application process.

Internet Connection Services

Internet and data connectivity services vary widely depending on location, type of connectivity and company contracted. Fixed data connectivity can be either wireless or wired using fiber cabling. Check out our guide to home internet connectivity here. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may require you to buy equipment prior to connection while others will hire out their equipment to you for free. To establish ISPs in your area, check out the list below.

Company	Areas	Contact
Safaricom Home Fiber	Most major estates, call to enquire or dial *400#	100 or 200
Fastnet Air Fiber	Athi-River, Kitengela, Isinya, Kisaju, Kyumvi, Kimalat, Mlolongo, Syokimau, Katani, Utawala, Joska, Kamulu, Sunshine, Kalingile ,Lukenya and parts of Embakasi.	+254711466396, +254729008434
Syokinet Solutions	Syokimau and surrounding areas	+254 111 018 400 +254 20 8692 240
Poa Internet	Mombasa Road, Utawala, Kajiado, Kiambu, Nairobi East, West of Nairobi, Thika Road, Thika, Nakuru East, Nakuru West	0730 762 762 0730 862 862 support@poainternet.net sales@poainternet.net
Zuku	Nairobi and Mombasa	0205-222-222 0205-205-205, 0719-028-200 support@zukufiber.co.ke cablesales@zukufiber.co.ke
Jamii Telecommunications	Nairobi and Major urban centers	0747 585 100  020 8405100  csc@jtl.co.ke
Surfnet Solutions	Mlolongo, Athi River, Sykimau, Katani, Kitengela	0705930930 0777744003 info@surfnet.co.ke
Elink Networks	Kasarani and its environs	0799 003262 0769693897
Selin Solutions	Eastlands, Ruai, Malaa, Joska, Pipeline, Mwiki, Utawala, Airways	0700700117 info@selinsolutions.co.ke
Cheetahnet Solutions	Kiambu, Kiambu Rd and its environs	0111051580
Muxtech Ltd	Thika town and environs	0700393393 0728582829
Mawingu	Major urban centers Countrywide	0111194000 info@mawingu.co
Liquid Telkom	Nairobi contact for clarification	Telesales@liquidtelecom.com 0709500500
Kozi Internet	Thika town and environs	+254-700-787-878  noc@kozi.co.ke