This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
Kenya Power has been hit by a significant financial blow due to the theft of transformers in different parts of the country.
According to the company's General Manager, Eng. David Mwaniki, at least 100 transformers are stolen every month, with each one costing Ksh.500,000.
Speaking in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, Eng. Mwaniki stated that the loss totals to about Ksh.50 million per month, which is a substantial amount that could be used to set up electricity in areas where there is none.
Eng. Mwaniki also expressed frustration at the vandalism of street lights that were installed in Kirinyaga County in March during the sixth Devolution Conference.
Out of the 86 street lights installed, at least 46 are now faulty due to vandalism, resulting in a loss of Ksh.60 million for the company.
Eng. Mwaniki further stated that officials from the company are working with the county security team to conduct night patrols to prevent further vandalism.
His comments came after Karuti area residents, led by their Member of Parliament Gicimu Githinji, protested against alleged disconnection of power supply to their homes for over two years.
