Kenya Power explains why transformers were removed from Nairobi's Mukuru

The Kenya Power company has defended its decision to remove transformers from the Mukuru estate in Nairobi, citing widespread illegal power connections that caused significant losses.

The company's Managing Director Joseph Siror revealed the reasons while addressing the National Assembly's Energy Committee on Thursday.

The energy committee, chaired by Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, had summoned Kenya Power officials following complaints from Embaksi South MP Julius Mawathe about the lack of electricity in the estate for several months.

Mawathe argued that residents had been left in the dark without a sufficient explanation from the power company.

However, Kenya Power's top management maintained that their actions were necessary to safeguard the company's assets and prevent further financial losses caused by the rampant illegal tapping of electricity in Mukuru.

Failed efforts 

Siror revealed that the decision followed a series of failed efforts to curb illegal connections that were draining the company’s resources.

He noted that discrepancies between the amount of power supplied to the area and what was billed prompted Kenya Power to take action.

"Increased illegal tappings in the area led to overload on the transformers, leading to the loss of 48 transformers due to failure," Siror said.

The power company had previously attempted to solve the issue through various means, including the involvement of community-based organisations.

These organisations were tasked with removing illegal lines, performing minor maintenance work, identifying new customers, and educating residents on legal power connection processes.

Despite these efforts, Siror acknowledged that illegal connections persisted.

As a result, Kenya Power experienced continued losses and opted to retrieve the transformers to prevent further damage.

Corruption allegations

MP Mawathe had also raised concerns over the prolonged power outage in his constituency, alleging that corruption could have played a role in the disconnection.

He accused Kenya Power of punishing residents without conducting thorough investigations into the situation.

"It is unfair to punish residents of Mukuru by denying them access to power for this long. Kenya Power should move in with speed to address this matter and ensure residents are connected back to the grid," Mawathe said.

However, Siror dismissed the corruption claims, maintaining that the decision was solely based on the company's need to stop further financial losses caused by illegal connections.

He emphasised that Kenya Power had explored multiple solutions before resorting to cutting power.