KPLC, Zain in electricity bill payment agreement

By John Oyuke

Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) customers can now pay their electric-ity bills using new Zain mobile commerce platform Zap.

The power retailer yesterday entered into an agreement with Zain Kenya to allow its customers pay monthly electricity bills at no cost.

Under the deal, customers would also be able to inquire outstanding electricity bills by sending an SMS with their account details to 5551.

Zain-Kenya Managing Director Rene Meza said the company had started rolling out the value added services on the Zap platform.

Zain launched the mobile money transfer service more than two months ago.

"Through Zap, we would like to make sure that customers enjoy the benefit of convenience while undertaking commercial transactions," said Meza. He said the company was happy to avail its wide network to KPLC to help in cutting down the company’s transaction costs.

Terms and conditions

KPLC customers using Zap would be required to pay their bills at least 24 hours before the due date to avoid disconnection.

Meza who spoke during the launch of the service in Nairobi said Zap had been received very well in the market.

"We have over 200,000 customers already registered and are transacting every day using Zap only one month after launch," he said.

Meza said following the launch of Zap in February this year, at Sh10, it is the most affordable money transfer service in the market.

"As we continue unveiling new technology in the market, we shall ensure that the benefits are passed directly on to the consumer," he added.

Meza said Zain has already signed up more than 4,000 Zap agents countrywide to ensure that the service is widely accessible.