This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
Kenya Power has been grappling with a significant financial loss due to vandalism, with the company losing approximately KSh60 million since the start of 2019.
According to the power company, the highest cases of vandalism have been reported in Kirinyaga, Murang'a, and Kiambu counties, where criminals steal streetlights bulbs and other electric parts at night.
As Kenya aims to be a 24-hour economy, the vandalism is pulling the country back from achieving this goal, with the power company's official stating that vandalism is hindering their efforts to spur economic growth in counties by providing power and lighting throughout the day.
Some of the measures put in place to minimize vandalism include stiff penalties for people who steal Kenya Power equipment, but the company has still reported a significant loss of revenue and increased infrastructure expenses due to the stealing and destruction of their property.
Notably, as many as 73 transformers have been stolen since the year began, with the value of the transformers amounting to KSh20 million.
