By Bizna Brand Analyst
Kenya Power has revealed that it will start providing internet services in December. Personally, I would never subscribe to it…… Never ever……Forever ever. If their electricity provision service problems has so many disadvantages already, think about the internet. And so I am wondering, what will happen to Zuku? Wananchi Group, the company behind Zuku made a deal with KPLC long time ago to use their power lines to provide internet to its customers. So what happens when both Wananchi and Kenya Power are providing internet? Will Zuku be booted and asked to look for a new home? No one knows as of now.
Kenya Power is now looking like the kind of friend who lets you use their facilities to do your business then when they see how great you are doing, they decide to get into the same business as you. I’ve been a Zuku subscriber for a few weeks now and I love their service. I don’t think Kenya Power can match that. Everyone should stick to what they o best
In short, there are mainly two reasons why I wouldn’t even consider using internet provided by one of the most traditional and annoying companies in Kenya
Downtime
KPLC is renowned for surprise black outs. Just when you are planning to watch your favorite TV program or do some ironing for the job interview you have the following day, there is a black out. Â Just when that young brother or sister of yours is studying for exams, there is a blackout. The same is bound to happen to the internet. I am pretty sure there will be downtime on a regular, coupled with slow speeds.
Zuku customers rarely experience downtime and its quick speeds cannot be put to question. .The fact that Kenya Power also wants to roll out its fiber to every home will create a major demand problem and limited supply. Internet is not like electricity. When too many people are using the same internet at the same time, it’ll definitely be be slower and non-reliable. I think this is the reason why Zuku is reluctant to roll out its service to masses too quickly. Zuku wants to maintain the quality of its service
 Customer Service
Kenya Power’s customer service has never been that effective. It’s like a dormant volcano. The company fixes issues when it feels like doing so, not when you ask them to. Technicians work according to their own convenient time not according to your urgency. This means that when you have a problem with your internet, you will just have to sit back and just hope it’s fixed soon. Zuku doesn’t work that way. If you are experiencing slow speeds by a rare occurrence, you simply call the provider or tweet them your account number and your internet is restored.
So yes, when it comes to KPLC and internet, I have reservations. I just cannot trust the electricity provider to do a great job. And it’s not my fault that I feel this way. It’s not the fault of Kenyans when they curse every time power goes out. I have no idea about the kind of agreement Kenya Power will have with Zuku going forward but I do hope that Zuku finds an alternative route to provide their services if it’s booted from the power lines. In as much as Kenya Power promises cheap internet, I’ rather stick o the devil I know. I’d rather pay more and be satisfied.
