KPLC begins nationwide use of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to speed up readings, cut human error and improve customer trust.
Kenya Power has launched a new meter reading system that uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to improve how customer consumption data is collected across the country. The company says the new system will help reduce billing errors, speed up fieldwork, and support its wider digital transformation plan.
The rollout began on Monday, November 24, 2025, covering all eight Kenya Power regions. The technology replaces the old manual process that required staff to type meter numbers and readings by hand. With OCR, a meter reader only needs to scan the display, and the system captures the information instantly.
According to Kenya Power, the move is expected to significantly cut human error and reduce the time spent reading the 1.8 million postpaid meters that still rely on physical checks. This follows a successful pilot in Nairobi that ran between March and September 2025.
Billing complaints have been a long-standing challenge for the utility, often linked to incorrect or misread data. The company says the new scanning system will help reduce such cases and improve overall customer experience.
The rollout also supports other digital platforms Kenya Power has been expanding, including the MyPower app and the USSD code *977#, which allow customers to check bills, report outages, and submit their own meter readings. Kenya Power plans to integrate OCR into these platforms so customers can scan their meters directly from their phones in the future.
In addition to OCR, the utility has also deployed smart meters to large power consumers, SMEs, and selected households. These devices support two-way communication, enabling remote reading, reconnection, and disconnection without the need for on-site visits.
Kenya Power says the introduction of OCR marks another major step in modernizing its operations and improving service delivery. The company expects the new system to bring noticeable improvements in billing accuracy and customer satisfaction over the coming months.
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