Kenya Power Rolls Out New Meter-Scanning Technology to Cut Billing Errors
By Chemtai Kirui, NAIROBI,
Kenya Power has begun rolling out a new meter-reading technology that will allow its staff to scan customer meters instead of typing in readings manually, in a move the utility says will reduce billing errors and speed up monthly data collection.
The Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system, now being deployed across all eight of the company’s regions, was piloted in Nairobi for six months from March 2025. The technology captures meter numbers and readings automatically through image scanning, replacing the manual process that has long been blamed for inaccuracies on customer bills.
The rollout comes as the utility faces long-running public criticism over estimated bills, delayed adjustments, and inconsistent readings that have led to thousands of customer complaints every year.
Richard Wida, Kenya Power’s Commercial Cycle Manager, said the new system is expected to improve accuracy and reduce the time spent at each household.
“With the OCR system, the meter reader will just be required to scan the meter, and the system will pick the readings automatically. This will save time and eliminate human error,” he said.
Kenya Power is targeting 1.8 million postpaid meters — those that still require monthly physical readings — for migration to the OCR system. The utility hopes the technology will cut billing disputes and reduce turnaround time for correcting discrepancies.
The company has been expanding digital operations through platforms such as the MyPower app and the *977# USSD service, which allow customers to submit their own readings and access account services.
It also operates a smart-metering system for large commercial users, SMEs and some domestic customers, enabling remote meter reading and disconnections. Wida said Kenya Power may eventually extend OCR capability to customers who self-submit readings to further improve accuracy.
Analysts say the rollout could ease consumer frustration if implemented effectively, although challenges such as aging meters, irregular house access and non-digital meters may still limit full automation in the near term.
