William Ruto Introduces 50% Off Nighttime Electricity Tariff To Boost Local Manufacturing

• President William Ruto's administration announced plans to grow local manufacturing to 20% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030
• Ruto said the government will introduce a nighttime electricity tariff cut of 50% starting May 1, 2024, to support local manufacturing
• The head of state noted that the move will enhance creation of more employment opportunities for Kenyans

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia brings over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

President William Ruto has promised more job opportunities for Kenyans in the manufacturing sector.

Ruto announced a cut in electricity bills for local manufacturers operating during the night.

Why is Ruto reducing electricity bills for manufacturers?

Speaking during the commissioning of Nexgen Packaging Kenya EPZ Limited, Mavoko, Machakos County, on Tuesday, April 23, Ruto directed a 50% off nighttime electricity tariff.

"To work collaboratively with investors, we are reducing electricity costs by 50% for those who will operate overnight. This will ensure their electricity costs are reduced and create more employment opportunities for Kenyans," said Ruto.

Ruto said the move would create employment opportunities for Kenyans to work during the night shift.

The head of state noted that the government will continue to grow EPZ investments in the country, saying the Nextgen factory will add up the apparel companies in the country to 39.

What are Ruto's manufacturing plans?

He revealed that the sector boasts KSh 24.8 billion investment in the Special Economic Zone programme, and employs nearly 60,000 Kenyans.

This came as the government committed to grow Kenya's manufacturing sector to 20% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The president said in the past six years, the country's manufacturing sector dropped from 9% of GDP to 7%.

What to know about local manufacturing in Kenya

• Kenyan manufacturers pledged to work with William Ruto's government to transform the sector.
• Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano said the government is working closely with the private sector to achieve manufacturing goals.
• Miano inaugurated the first-ever electric bus assembly plant in Thika, set up by BasiGo and Kenya Vehicle Manufacturing Limited.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke