This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
Kenya Power has lost Sh60 million to street vandals in the past seven months, a trend that is hindering the company's efforts to turn Kenya into a 24-hour economy.
According to David Mwaniki, the acting general manager for Network Management and Infrastructure Development, the vandalism of street lights has been a major concern in all counties.
"The problem is experienced in all counties and the situation is of grave concern. Vandals are making it hard for us to make counties a 24-hour economy," he said.
Kenya Power officials have been touring the country to address the issue, including a recent visit to Kirinyaga where they disconnected power to homes belonging to 500 families after residents failed to pay their bills.
The move triggered protests by the residents and local MP Gichimu Githinji.
"We want people to continue working day and night to grow the economy in counties and that is why we are installing street lights in all urban centres … but criminals are messing up our work. They should be tamed," said Mr Mwaniki.
He cited Kirinyaga, Murang'a, and Kiambu counties as the most affected by vandalism of street lights.
Kenya Power has recently stepped up efforts to combat vandalism of its infrastructure, including stiff penalties for those found guilty.
Three people were this month sentenced to serve a 10-year jail term after being charged with vandalising electrical conductors contrary to section 64(4) of the Energy Act.
