This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
Published on August 26, 2019, a report by The Standard highlighted the growing concern of streetlight theft in Murang'a County.
According to Engineer Harrison Kamau, the Kenya Power Company Murang'a Branch Manager, over 150 streetlights worth millions of shillings have been vandalized in various trading centers in the county over the past year.
Mr. Kamau attributed the rise in theft to the new type of lights installed, which he alleged could be in high demand on the black market, making them a prime target for thieves.
He noted that several towns, including Maragua, Murang'a, Makuyu, Sabasaba, and Kabati, have been particularly affected by the thefts, with some thieves even cutting down streetlight posts to prevent traders from working at night.
Despite the challenges posed by the thefts, Mr. Kamau emphasized that the Kenya Power Company remains committed to ensuring that all trading centers in the county have streetlights, and that efforts are being made to apprehend suspects and bring them to justice.
Under the new Energy Act, those found guilty of vandalizing energy infrastructure face stiff penalties, including fines of not less than Sh5 million or a jail term of not less than 10 years, or both.
Mr. Kamau appealed to residents to support security officers in their efforts to prevent streetlight theft, urging them to report any suspicious activity promptly.
Despite the challenges, the Kenya Power Company remains committed to its streetlight program, with plans to install new lights in several towns, including Kangema, Kandara, Kigumo, and Kiria-ini, before the end of August.
