ATTACHMENT REPORT FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO MARCH

2021 AT KENYA POWER AND LIGHTING COMPANY LTD (KPLC)

P.O.Box: 104-20100 Nakuru, KENYA.

TEL:+254-202614321

In partial fulfillment for the requirement of the award of

Bachelor of Science in Information and Communication

Technology Degree of Laikipia University.

PREPARED BY: PETER MAINA NJUGUNA

REGISTRATION NUMBER: N16/3/1435/016

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATICS

P.O BOX 1100-20300 NYAHURURU

DATE OF SUBMISSION: APRIL 2021

 DECLARATION

This practicum final report is my original work, except where otherwise

stated and has not been presented for a degree in any other University nor

any other Award.

-------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------

Peter Njuguna Date Signature

N16/3/1435/016

-------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------

Industrial Supervisor Date Signature

-------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------

University Supervisor Date Signature

I
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this project to God Almighty my creator, my strong pillar, my

source of inspiration, wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He has been

the source of my strength throughout this program and on His wings only

have I soared. I also dedicate this work to my Mother; Hannah Njuguna and

to my brothers and sisters who has encouraged me all the way and whose

encouragement has made sure that I give it all it takes to finish that which I

have started. Thank you. My love for you all can never be quantified. God

bless you.

II
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This is the attachment report based on my three-month attachment period

that I successfully completed at KPLC under IT Department from January to

March 2021 as a requirement of my BSc. ICT program in Department of

Computing and Informatics, Laikipia University. As an exposure to the

industrial practices, every day at KPLC IT department gave me some amount

of experience as articulated in my weekly report submission via school

logbook and online weekly submissions to my industrial supervisor. And all

the activities undertaken were valuable and significant in my career.

I gained a vast range of computer networking in an organization, put into

practice the Networking knowledge through Cisco devices, data backup and

retrieval, team leadership, good communication skills, computer repair and

maintenance, IT support, to mention a few. Every day at KPLC presented an

environment to learn something new or improve my IT knowledge through

interactions, team play and delegation of activities.

This report includes the historical background and structure of KPLC, the

vision and mission of KPLC, the role of IT in supporting the latter and its

infrastructure. Successively, it entails the evaluation of the attachment

period through lessons learned and skills acquired, useful skills from school

that were most valuable during the period, possible challenges encountered

and recommendations to both my host and institution.

III
 ABSTRACT

This documentation is a compilation of all the activities I undertook at KPLC,

skills gained, suggested recommendations to improve the IT department for

the three-month attachment period in IT department.

This report provides an absolute evaluation of the attachment period. It

clearly summaries the skills gained, challenges encountered and the

proposed solutions, both from the university and company side. It as well

further gives a detailed description of what KPLC entails it’s core, values,

mission statement, service charter, historic background etc.

IV
 Table of Content
DECLARATION............................................................................................................................................I
DEDICATION.............................................................................................................................................. II
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.......................................................................................................................... III
ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................................IV
CHAPTER ONE...........................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................ 1
MISSION.................................................................................................................................................. 5
VISION..................................................................................................................................................... 5
COMPANY’S CORE VALUES..............................................................................................................6
COMPANY’S OBJECTIVES.................................................................................................................. 7
ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE...........................................................................................................7
Senior Management Team:............................................................................................................. 9
Regional Managers.......................................................................................................................... 10
ICT DEPARTMENT..................................................................................................................................11
Roles of ICT Department at KPLC...............................................................................................11
Overview of the Kenya power systems and their roles..................................................... 14
CHAPTER TWO....................................................................................................................................... 17
SKILLS OBTAINED................................................................................................................................. 17
Software Installations:.................................................................................................................... 18
Software Maintenance....................................................................................................................19
PC Hardware Maintenance............................................................................................................19
Printer Maintenance:.......................................................................................................................19
Mail System Services...................................................................................................................... 20
Networking..........................................................................................................................................20
OSI seven Layer model.................................................................................................................. 22
Network Management.................................................................................................................... 23
Fiber Optic Installation................................................................................................................... 24
SCADA system................................................................................................................................... 28
Useful University Skills................................................................................................................... 32

V
Kenya power Safety Rules for all consumers............................................................................ 33
ANALYSIS, OBSERVATIONS AND CRITIQUE.................................................................................34
OBSERVED COMPANY FAILURES.................................................................................................34
Recommendations........................................................................................................................... 35
CONCLUSIONS................................................................................................................................... 35
Appendix..................................................................................................................................................37
References.............................................................................................................................................. 38

Table of figures

Figure 1 Power Grid...................................................................................................................... 2

Figure 2 Connecting to the world............................................................................................ 3

Figure 3 KPLC utility communication..................................................................................... 4

Figure 4 Top management.........................................................................................................8

Figure 5 County management..................................................................................................9

Figure 6 Fibre optic cables...................................................................................................... 24

Figure 7 Fiber Splicing machine............................................................................................ 27

Figure 8 Fiber Splicing...............................................................................................................27

Figure 9 ODTR.............................................................................................................................. 28

Figure 10 System overview.....................................................................................................30

Figure 11 FOX............................................................................................................................... 32

Figure 12 KPLC working days................................................................................................. 38

VI
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) is a company which transmits,

distributes and retails electricity to customers throughout Kenya. Electricity

is purchased in bulk from the Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited

(KenGen), Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the Uganda Electricity

Transmission Company Limited (UETCL).

Kenya Power holds and operates the national transmission and distribution

grid, and is responsible for the scheduling and dispatch of electricity to more

than 500, 000 customers throughout. KPLC manages electric metering,

licensing, billing, emergency electricity services and customer relations.

KPLC also offers fiber optic connectivity to telecommunication companies

throughout its fiber optic cable network that runs along its high voltage

power lines across the country mainly to manage the national power grid.

1
 Figure 1 Power Grid

Kenya Power is connected to the world through a fiber optic network, fiber

optic network is a method of communication that facilitate the transition of

information by sending pulses of light through an optical fiber.

◆ Kenya Power can interconnect to the rest of the world via the EASSy,

SEACOM and TEAMS submarine cables in Mombasa.

2
Connecting to the World

Figure 2 Connecting to the world

This medium of communication has the highest capacity for information

interchange. The company deploys fiber optics on power lines to monitor the

Power Grid and for internal communications, the extra capacity is leased out

as dark fiber to licensed telecommunication service provider such as:

3
 Safaricom Limited

Kenya Data Networks

Jamii Telecommunication limited

Wananchi Telecommunication Limited

Figure 3 KPLC utility communication

4
 6. Company Description

Full name: Kenya Power & Lighting Co. Ltd

Headquarters: STIMA Plaza, Parklands, P.O Box 30099,

NAIROBI.

Status: Listed

Operational Status: Operational

Tel: -051 -2211594/7

MISSION

Powering people for better lives by innovatively securing business

sustainability.

By striving to provide world-class products and services that delight our

customers and transform lives as we ensure viability of our business

VISION

Energy solutions provider of choice.

By becoming the preferred energy solution for businesses and individuals,

we empower our customers to achieve more and reach their full potential

5
 COMPANY’S CORE VALUES

Kenya Power core values signify:

√ Customer First

√ One Team

√ Passion

√ Integrity

√ Excellence

√ Accountability

The company creates an environment where all people are passionate about

performance based on

Integrity: Be honest, open & sincere

Individual Initiative: Take pro-active steps to drive performance

Customer Value: Exceed customer expectations & add value to

Customers’ businesses

Teamwork: Work with & support colleagues to raise overall

performance

People Development: Realize employee potential through training &

development

Mutual Trust & Respect: Treat each other with respect & dignity, &

earn trust

Commitment: Be accountable & do as you say.

6
 COMPANY’S OBJECTIVES

To buy efficiently and wisely, obtaining by an ethical means the best

value for every shilling spent.

To maintain cordial relationship with other department for the overall

benefit of the organization.

To develop staff policies, procedures and organization to ensure the

achievement of set objectives.

To help add value to the development of services rendered

To supply the organization with a flow of materials and services to

meet its needs.

To ensure continuity of supply by maintaining effective relationship

with existing sources to meet emerging or planned needs.

To develop specification in collaboration with user to ensure

standardization is achieved.

ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE

KPLC operations have evolved overtime and the current set up is a result of

several changes

that have taken place over the years all aimed at improving service delivery.

Some of the

changes have been affected without reorganizing the existing one.

a) The Central office, operates functionally with the following divisions.

7
 Finance

Human Resource & Administration

Information Communication Technology (ICT)

Security

Supply Chain (Procurement function)

Technical Service (Protection, E/Plant & Control)

Common Service (U/G, Live Line & Street Lighting Teams)

Transport

Safety Health & Environment (SHE)

Except for the last three functions, all the others have a presence in the

Region

Figure 4 Top management

The county structure will be as shown in the organogram below.

8
Figure 5 County management

The current top officials of the company include:

Senior Management Team:

Mr. Bernard Ngugi: Managing Director & Chief Executive

Officer

Imelda Bore: General Manager, Corporate Affairs &

Company Secretary

Charles Cheruiyot General Manager, Internal Audit

Eng. Rosemary Oduor General Manager, Commercial

Services & Sales

Eng. Aggrey Machasio General Manager, Infrastructure

Development

9
Cecilia Kalungu General Manager, Human Resources

& Administration

Eng. Peter Njenga General Manager, Regional Coordination

Robert Mugo General Manager, Information &

Communication Technology

Martin Mutuku General Manager, Business Strategy

Stephen Vikiru ; Ag. General Manager, Finance

Dr. John Ngeno General Manager, Supply Chain & Logistics

Charles Mwaura General Manager, Network Management

Dr. Jeremiah Kiplagat Director, Institute of Energy Studies &

Research

Regional Managers

David Syengo Regional Manager, Nairobi County

Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias Regional Manager, North Rift

Eng. Geoffrey Muli Regional Manager, Central Rift

Eng. Kennedy Ogalo Regional Manager, South Nyanza

Eng. Hicks Waswa Regional Manager, Coast

Eng. Phineas Merete Regional Manager, Mt. Kenya

10
Eng. David Mutitu Kamau Regional Manager, North Eastern

Sarah Wepukhulu Regional Manager, Western

ICT DEPARTMENT

Roles of ICT Department at KPLC

I.T& T HARDWARE Management.

➢ Acquiring New Hardware

➢ Returning Hardware

➢ Hardware Movement

➢ Lost Hardware

➢ Inventory Control

➢ Retirement of Obsolete I.T Hardware

➢ Retirement of Obsolete PSC and SCADA equipment

MAINTENANCE

➢ General Maintenance on User Hardware and Software

➢ Preventive Maintenance

➢ Comprehensive Maintenance

➢ Maintenance of PSC and SCADA Equipment

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

➢ Incidences on I.T &T Hardware

➢ Incidences on Portable and Mobile VHF Radios

11
USER ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

➢ Administrative Account or Special Access Allocation

➢ PASSWORD Recovery Support

➢ Customer Connectivity and Allocation of other resources

➢ Customer Support and Billing Services Support.

NETWORK ACCESS AND SECURITY MANAGEMENT

➢ Access Control to SCADA NMS

➢ Data Access Monitoring

➢ Physical Access

➢ Security Systems (CCTV Management)

➢ Security of IT&T Hardware Assets

➢ Teleprotection

IP ADDRESSING, ROUTING

➢ Subnetting

➢ IP address space locations

FIBER OPTIC CABLE ALLOCATION

➢ LAN, Structure Cabling

➢ Switching

➢ Relinquishing fiber cores

12
DATA/DISASTER RECOVERY MANAGEMENT

➢ General Access: It is granted to server or telecommunications

administrators.

➢ Escorted Access: It is granted to people with legitimate business

need to access the data/disaster recovery Centre but

infrequently

➢ Limited Access: It is granted to a person who does not qualify for

General Access but has legitimate reason for unsupervised

access to the data/disaster recovery Centre e.g.,

telecommunications/IT support

IT&TELCOM TRAINING

PROCUREMENT

➢ Procurement of IT Systems

➢ Procurement of Telecommunication Hardware, PSC and SCADA

Equipment

MANAGING TELEPHONES/FAXES/VIDEO CONFERENCE SYSTEMS

➢ Telephones/faxes

➢ Video conference support using Zoom application

SYTEMS ADMINISTRATION

➢ System Development and Analysis

13
 ➢ Substation Automation

BACKUP

➢ Systems Backup

➢ SCADA System Backups

CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT

➢ Authorizing contractors to access company systems.

Overview of the Kenya power systems and their roles

KPLC facility database (FDB)

KPLC maintains an oracle Geographical Information System (GIS) based

Facilities Database (FDB) that contains about 95% of the entire updated

power network physical data including transmission, medium-voltage and

low-voltage networks. Electrical attributes of network elements like

conductor sizes and transformer sizes are also included with reasonable

accuracy for the medium-voltage network but electrical impedances are not

included.

The company utilizes PSS SINCAL software developed by Siemens for

distribution planning activities. However, the planning software is not linked

to the FDB and the network data is currently obtained manually from the

FDB, other secondary sources like network drawings and primary data

collection for validation and update.

14
Facilities Database facilitate the importation of network electrical data

directly to the analysis software. This minimizes the time and human capital

required to carry out the exercise manually and increase the accuracy of

network models and planning studies. Further this exercise enhances the

planning process and facilitate faster review of the existing Distribution

Master Plan to increase the scope of coverage and address the current and

forecast demand in the next five years which will be covered in a subsequent

assignment.

END-USER APPLICATIONS:

INTEGRATED CUSTOMER SERVICES (ICS)

The role of ICS is to manage and handle customer information. ICS is divided

into Six modules: controlling, billing reading, collection, reporting and

interface.

The software is developed using Power Builder, it is server-based and runs on

the Unix OS. Users can run this application using windows 95 and windows

XP OS. Data is stored on Oracle database.

DESIGN CUSTOMER SERVICE (DCS)

DCS is used in customer services, Reinforcement Schemes and Rural

Electrification Schemes and also in customer creation. It is a server-based

system.

SYSTEM APPLICATION & PRODUCT (SAP)

15
The purpose of SAP is to provide a suit of tightly integrated large-scale

business applications.

Kenya Power uses three applications: Human Resource Management System

(HRMS), Integrated Finance System (IFS) and Integrated Logistics System

(ILS).

SAP has a very high level of integration among its individual application that

guarantee consistency of data throughout the system and the Company

itself.

The standard SAP system is divided into three environments; Development,

Quality Control & production.

The software is developed using Advance Business Application Program

(ABAP).

DISTRIBUTION & TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT

SYSTEM (DTMMS)

DTMMS is used to manage the maintenance of Distribution and Transmission.

It is Divided into Development and Production:

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IMS)

The role of IMS is to handle customer complaints, make entries of customers’

complaints and check the status of the complaint. The system is used at the

Call Centre and Control Room.

16
 MEDICARE

The system is used to provide timely standards reports on medical

expenditure. It enables monitoring of al details pertaining to medical

expenses for all categories of staff.

The main processes are: Data capturing of medical invoices, update of

Medicare booklets, authorization of medical invoices, support, administration

and maintenance.

The application is developed using Power Script which is found in Power

Builder and the Database is Oracle.

STRATEGIC PLANNING SYSTEM (SPS)

The system provides information to the core systems like ICS, DCS, IMS, and

SAP. The system is used to make long-term plans (i.e., 5 years and beyond)

and short-term plans.

CHAPTER TWO

SKILLS OBTAINED

THE FOLLOWING IS A PROFILE IN SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES GAINED.

17
 Software Installations:

This scope covers the installation of user applications like ICS, DCS, SAP,

DTMMS, IMS, INCMS, AMR. Each application normally takes about 20 minutes

to install from the kplc server. Most of this software running can be corrected

by a fresh installation. Other problems can be corrected by running

diagnostic start-up or system configuration utility. For example, the

installation procedure for ICS Software Network installation is as follows:

1. At the desktop of a PC connected to the Network, double click on the

Network Neighborhood

2. Select the appropriate Systems Software Server by double clicking it

3. Different folders appear, select PBSYSINS folder by double clicking it

4. A screen appears with various icons, double click Icon No.1 to activate

installation script.

5. An MS-DOS Screen will appear

6. Restart Pc when installation screens stop.

7. Explore windows and locate C:\windows\updtpbds.bat

8. Create a shot cut of the same to the start Up window.

9. Run the updtpbds shortcut to update ICS with New files from the

Server

10.Then create a short icon for ICS Application on the Desktop from

C:\Openics\onlineFolder \ choose Openics.exe -> click Next and finish.

18
 Software Maintenance

This involves Software repair, software back up files for different sessions,

the repair and installations of DCS software are executed when need arises.

As an IT support stuff, it was our responsibility to ensure the execution of this

operation as per the procedure through a delegation of authority and duties

from the Senior Technician.

The procedure is to create restore points for these kinds of software’s and

Operating systems.

PC Hardware Maintenance

Maintenance activity helps to detect latent issues in a computer that can

grow into major problems if not addressed in a timely manner. It can also

impact the performance of a computer and gives sub-optimal output.

Periodic maintenance helps to detect these problems at a system and

physical level and address them immediately

All the physical components of the computer are hardware. This will include

your keyboard, hard drives, internal CD or DVD drive, fans, etc. All of these

components are included in computer hardware maintenance

Printer Maintenance:

Preventive maintenance of a Printer. The procedure outlined method used in

carrying out preventive maintenance of printers to reduce failure and sustain

optimum print quality.

19
The procedure includes servicing, cleaning the printer and testing of the

printer.

Procedure:

Arrange all tools including cleaning materials

Get the previous records of the repairs.

Service, clean and test accordingly.

Mail System Services

Possessing basic computer skills required a small amount of computer

experience, including a basic understanding of email like MS Outlook, word

processing, graphics, and spreadsheets. At a basic level of computer

proficiency Basic Skills like Voice Mail Systems.

Mail Systems Objectives are to Understand when and how to leave a

message, knowing what to include to ensure a call back and to Know how to

set-up an out-going message.

Networking

I learnt the practical application of Computer Networking during the period I

was attached at the Kenya Power company. The following are the practical

Networking basics I dedicated my efforts during this period.

1. Routing: The Office Network with about 100 computer and devices,

and the ethernet network. The office network connects to the router

through an ethernet connection, specifically a 100 base T connection.

20
 ➢ IP addressing: IP headers contain 32-bit addresses which identify

the sending and the receiving hosts. These addresses are used

by intermediate routers to select a path through the network for

the packet.

➢ Sub-netting: This is the subdivision of a class-based network into

subnetworks, Subnetting allows single routing entities to refer

either to the larger block or to its individual constituents. This

permits a single, general routing entry to be used through most

of the Internet, more specific routes only being required for

routers in the submitted block.

2. LAN and WAN: Wide Area Network links tend to operate with

bandwidth margins, but many Local Area Network s applications

depend on lots of surplus bandwidth.

➢ Domain Name Servers (DNS): These are a set of Severs that

maps the human readable names to the IP addresses. These

severs are databases that map names to the Ip addresses and

they are distributed all over the internet.

➢ TCP Protocol: The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) makes up

for IP’s deficiencies by proving reliable, stream-oriented

connections that hide most of IP’s shortcomings

TCP have the following benefits to the IP service

Streaming organized data

21
 Reliable delivery

Network adaptation

Flow control

OSI seven Layer model

Physical Layer: this describes the property of the various

communication media as well as the electrical properties and

the interpretation of the exchanged signal. This layer defines

the Ethernet coaxial cable, the type of BNC connector used,

the termination method.

Data Link Layer: This describes the logical Organization of

data bits transmitted on a particular medium. This includes

framing, addressing and check summing of Ethernet packets.

Network layer describe how the series of exchange over data

links can deliver data between any two nodes in a network.

This include addressing and routing structure of Ethernet

packets.

Transportation Layer describes the quality and the nature of

the data delivery.

Session Layer describes the organization of data sequences

larger than the packets handled by lower layers. This include

the request and how reply packets are paired in a remote

procedure call (RPC).

22
 Presentation Layer: This describes the syntax of data being

transferred.

Application Layer: this describes how the real work is done. It

implements file system operations.

Network Management

➢ SNMP protocol: Simple Network Management protocol (SNMP) is

essentially a request-reply protocol. SNMP is an asymmetric

protocol, operating between a management station (smart) and

an agent (dumb). The agent is the device being managed-all its

software has to do is implement a few simple packet types and

generic get-or-set function on its MIB variables. The management

station presents the user interface. Simple management stations

can be built with Unix command-line utilities.

➢ Bridging: This is a method of path selection. In a bridged network,

no correspondence is required between addresses and the paths,

bridging relies heavily on broadcasting

➢ Congestion: Congestion in the global Internet is more than the

normal expectation, and few people have any real control or

understanding of it. Many different organizations are involved and

the desire for security seriously hampers any attempt to collect

meaningful data.

23
 ➢ Socket: A socket is a network communication endpoint. An active

socket is connected to a remote active socket via an open data

connection. Closing the connection destroys the active socket at

each endpoint. A passive socket is not connected but rather

awaits an incoming connection, which will spawn a new active

socket.

➢ Standards: Standards are the thing that make the Internet work.

Almost always they take the form of protocols that everyone has

agreed on.

Fiber Optic Installation

Figure 6 Fibre optic cables

Fiber Splicing: Fusion splicing is joining two fibers together by melting the

two fibers together. Result is a near-seamless / lossless joint. Fusion splicing

is used for joining cables during network installation projects, repairing

24
cables, mounting pre-polished splice-on connectors, and many applications

in factories that make fiber optic components and subsystems. For both field

and factory splicing, the process requires the following supplies and

equipment:

aramid scissors and other tools for entering the cable and separating

out individual fibers for splicing;

stripping tools with hole sizes for removing fiber buffer coatings;

alcohol and wipes to clean the bare fiber prior splicing;

cleavers for terminating the fiber to the right length with high-quality

end-faces;

a fusion splicing machine;

protective tubes or sleeves, or a fiber re-coating system;

test instruments, such as loss test sets or OTDRs.

Some of the tools and equipment designed for field splicing differ from

versions designed for factory or bench-top splicing. In the case of fusion

splicing machines, for example, there are portable, lightweight units for field

splicing, and some are supplied in kits that include a battery, other tools, and

rugged cases. From start to finish, the fusion-splicing process has four main

steps:

1.) preparing the cable and fiber ends,

2.) fusing the fiber ends together,

25
3.) adding-splice protection or re-coating the fiber joint, and

4.) testing the splice.

Step (1.) is on cleaving and cleaning.

step (2.), the fusion splicing machine creates the fused joint. The operator is

responsible for loading the fiber ends correctly, checking the settings,

including the fiber-type program, and then hitting a button to start the fusion

process.

step (3.), protection, because it is critical in a splice’s long-term

performance.

Step (4.), testing, mainly is done with OTDRs or loss test sets.

Fusion splicing machine

26
Figure 7 Fiber Splicing machine

Figure 8 Fiber Splicing

OTDR
27
Figure 9 ODTR

SCADA system

KPLC has a SCADA (Supervisory, Control & Data Acquisition) system that is

controlled

from the Regional Control Centers & the National Control Centre. The

National Control

Centre (NCC) is at Juja Rd and controls the entire transmission network &

substations (i.e.

some 66kV, all 132kV, all 220kV & soon to be introduced 400kV stations.)

SCADA: Data communication architecture

28
 TFE TFE

computer computer

Panel Panel
Multi- multi-
port Port
Stallion

Splitter
Modem
Modem Modem

Modem

SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Modem Modem Modem Modem

RTU

29
Figure 10 System overview

The Control Centers all run ABB’s Network Manager WS500 which is the

software used for

monitoring & Control of all the incorporated substations. The Communication

protocols

currently supported by KPLCs front end servers is ABBs PCU 400, for data

telegram

30
exchange with Remote Terminal Units (RTUs). Whereas, the Station Control

Management

Systems (SCMS) in the substations in its SCADA system are IEC 60870-5-

101&IEC 60870-5-104.

The automated 132/66/33/11kV Transmission and Distribution substations

are required to communicate with the front-end server (ABB’s PCU400) via

the communication protocols outlined above. The automated sub-Station

must communicate with the Regional Control Centre under which it shall be

monitored & controlled.

The interconnected KPLC’s telecommunications system is based on a

backbone of SDH

STM1/4 terminal equipment, FOX 515 from ABB. A network management

system (NMS)

for the telecommunication system has been installed at The National Control

Centre (NCC)

FOX 515s

31
Figure 11 FOX

FOX 515 Teleprotection (TEBIT): Benefits

√ Full INTEGRATION into the Telecommunication System.

√ NMS: Network Management for Supervision

√ Less interfaces, less equipment hence Highly INCREASED AVAILABILITY.

Useful University Skills

The following skills acquired from school came handy in my attachment

period as expounded:

√ Data communication – this was a useful training in understanding the

transmission of voice and data setup at KPLC.

32
√ Computer networks – helped in gaining in-depth understanding of how

network devices work and communicate, network setup, troubleshooting

and network management.

√ Computer organization and architecture -the skills acquired helped

in understanding both external and internal components of a computer,

communication of the computer components, identification of different

drivers and their applications and assembling and dissembling of

computer.

√ Report writing and research methods - the skills proved vital in

weekly research activities and program report preparations.

√ Research methods in ICT – when it came to delegated tasks based on

online information retrieval, the citation and referencing skills from this

course were vital in acknowledging other people’s work from which my

research was based.

√ Project management - the various tasks that were assigned to me I

divided them into smaller components and successfully I was capable to

server clients in a timely manner.

√ Negotiation skills - I was able to offer efficient ICT support services to

various clients in a clear understandable language.

Safety precautions
Kenya power Safety Rules for all consumers

√ Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.

√ Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.

33
√ In homes with small children, make sure your home has tamper-

resistant (TR) receptacles.

√ Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified

electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.

√ Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a

receptacle outlet.

√ Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into

each receptacle outlet at a time.

√ If outlets or switches feel warm, frequent problems with blowing fuses

or tripping circuits, or flickering or dimming lights, call a qualified

electrician.

√ Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use

bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage.

√ Make sure your home has ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in

the kitchen bathroom(s), laundry, basement, and outdoor areas.

√ Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) should be installed in your home to

protect electrical outlets

ANALYSIS, OBSERVATIONS AND CRITIQUE.

OBSERVED COMPANY FAILURES

1. MONOPOLY-Kenya power being a monopoly in power transmission

and distribution in some instances tends not to be sensitive on the

34
 customer’s needs. This is evident mainly on the many delays in

installation and emergency responses.

2. EMPLOYEES MALPRACTICES- In ethical malpractices by employees

who steal the company assets mainly the cables.

3. ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS and Faulty meters. In ethical

malpractices by employees who facilitate illegal connection of

electricity to consumers a faulty meter which results to low collection

of revenue

4. INSTALLATION COST: high costs of installation that leads to many

households not being able to acquire electricity.

Recommendations

There are needs to formulate, enforce and review environmental, health,

safety and quality codes and standards, set, review and adjust electric power

tariffs, approve power purchase and network service contracts, examine and

approve meters, investigate complaints between parties, accredit energy

auditors, ensure competition, collect and maintain energy data, protect

stakeholders’ interests, and prepare an indicative national energy plan.

CONCLUSIONS

Doing my attachment at Kenya power was the best decision I made, I

acquired a lot of experience and knowledge learned in class as theories. It

was a structured, credit-bearing work experience in my professional work

setting during which I applied and acquired knowledge and skills. It involved

the application of learned skills in an organization related to me major. The

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Industrial Attachment challenged me to examine the values of the

organization involved in the experience, and to assess my education as it

relates to the Industrial Attachment.

Other benefits I gained from the Industrial Attachment include

1. Explored career interests

2. Learned new skills

3. Gained work experience

4. Developed a professional network

5. Understood workplace expectations

6. Learned more about my career

7. Gained valuable experience to build my resume

8. Found out what it's like to work in my potential career

9. Got introduced to engineer employers and made a solid network

10. Received credit for real world experience

Once more I appreciate all the people including my field supervisor,

workmates who assisted me and gave all the guidance necessary to achieve

the required objectives

THANK YOU

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 Appendix

Table 1: Operational hours

Days Time

Monday 7:45 am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday 7:45 am – 5:00 pm

Wednesday 7:45 am – 5:00 pm

Thursday 7:45 am – 5:00 pm

Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm

Saturday Closed

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Sunday Closed

Figure 12 KPLC working days

References
https://www.kplc.co.ke/content/item/14/Who-We-Are

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenya_Power_and_Lighting_Company

Mwaniki, R., & Gathenya, J. (2015). Role of human resource management functions on

organizational performance with reference to Kenya power & lighting company–Nairobi west

region. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 5(4), 432-

448.

Yala, H. O. (2018). Impact of customer satisfaction of durability of materials used in electric

power distribution at Kenya power and lighting company (KPLC), Kenya (2010-2012).

International Journal of Academic Research and Development, 3(2), 187-193.

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