Kenya Power launches Coast region crackdown to curb vandalism, illegal connections

Kenya Power has launched a crackdown in the Coast region to curb the destruction of its infrastructure, illegal connections and the theft of electricity distribution equipment.

The move is aimed at limiting blackouts and the losses the illegal activities have caused the company over the years.

Phineas Marete, the Coast region manager of the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) reported that in March, they lost three transformers worth about Sh3 million and that the company loses about Sh1.2 billion annually due to illegal connections.

"Cases of vandalism force us to spend lots of resources repairing and replacing damaged equipment," Marete told The Eastleigh Voice by phone on Tuesday, urging concerted efforts by all stakeholders to stop the crime.

He said the stolen equipment, including transformers and electricity towers, is sold to scrap metal yards.

"We lose billions because of people who use power without paying. We also want to protect residents from being electrocuted or burning their houses because of this."

Marete said the crackdown will see them enhance surveillance in the Coast region, with the help of security agencies and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO).

"The increase in cases of vandalism and energy theft through illegal connections has prompted us to work with the security agencies to assist us in the protection of our power installations to enable work to go on effectively," he said.

Marete highlighted Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi as the counties where increased vandalism has resulted in power supply disruptions and huge financial and reputational losses for the KPLC, hence the need to work with security organs to find and punish the vandals.

"Blackouts caused by vandalism and energy theft threaten the economy as industries shut down because companies cannot meet production targets and may operate below-installed capacity," he explained, adding the crimes have hampered the government's efforts to regulate power supply for domestic and industrial purposes.

He assured, however, that they would fulfil their mandate of providing quality, safe and reliable electricity services despite the numerous setbacks it faces such as the twin problems of theft and vandalism.

Marete further called on the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA), the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) to liaise with the KPLC during road construction to prevent damage.

"The road agencies should seek out KPLC when building new roads and upgrading existing ones to safeguard electricity poles. These activities lead to the collapse of electricity poles and result in disruption of power supply," he said.