This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
On July 3, 2020, a shocking incident occurred in Nairobi's Kileleshwa estate when a lorry driver knocked down several electricity poles on Mandera road.
As onlookers watched in horror, the driver was captured on video driving away from the scene despite being entangled in the wires.
Despite the danger, the driver managed to free himself and left the dismantled poles and wires on the road, potentially endangering the lives of road users.
Residents in the area reported a blackout after the incident, and Kenya Power dispatched a crew to sort out the connection disruption.
"Our crew is on the ground doing repairs on the line. All customers have been restored except the following areas," the utility company noted.
Kenya Power has launched campaigns to curb vandalism and other vices that negatively impact the power distribution system.
According to the Energy Act 2019, vandalism, theft, and damage of streetlights and power installations attract a Ksh5 million fine, imprisonment for five years, or both.
The utility company has collaborated with the police, local administration, and locals to bring the perpetrators to book.
Blackouts cost Kenya 25 days a year, as reported by the World Bank in 2018.
