Kenya Power loses 110 transformers in a year

Kenya Power lost 110 transformers worth Sh137 million due to vandalism in the period September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2024, a new report shows. The Annual Report on the State of National Security shows that a total of 114 cases of vandalism or theft were reported across the country, out of which 40 have been finalised, 41 pending before court, and 33 under investigation.

The report, tabled in Parliament by President William Ruto, says Kenya’s transmission system comprises 7,769-kilometre lines, interconnecting 105 substations, with 310,335 kilometres of medium voltage and low voltage lines linked to 79,710 distribution substations.

Dr Ruto said the energy sector plays a critical role in the country’s economic development with the government obligated to facilitate provision of clean sustainable, affordable, competitively priced and secure energy for national development, while protecting the environment.

He said the country has in recent times witnessed vandalism targeting electric power transmission infrastructure, resulting in outages affecting service delivery thus causing economic losses.

“Additionally, 110 transformers valued at approximately Sh137,000,000 were vandalised across the country,” Dr Ruto said.

“For instance, vandalism of Kegati Sub Station in Kisii County was unprecedented, plunging the whole region in darkness.”

He said in order to address these challenges, the government has enhanced surveillance of energy installations, improved the capacity of the Energy Police Unit, and continued with the relocation of transformers to more secure locations. Dr Ruto said the government is enforcing a ban on copper exports and ensuring strict enforcement of the scrap metal regulations.

“In order to address these challenges, the government has enhanced investigations on reported incidents, repairs of vandalised infrastructure and sensitisation of local communities on the importance of power lines and associated equipment in their day-to-day lives to enhance security,” he said.

“The government is partnering with the local communities to secure power installations within their respective areas.”

emutai@ke.nationmedia.com