This archive report was first published on 2 October 2019.
Residents in Nakuru's Ponda Mali and Kaptembwo slums have been given seven days to vacate areas near high-voltage electricity installations and oil pipelines, according to the Government.
Kenya Pipeline and Kenya Power have issued eviction notices to the residents, citing the danger posed by the installations. The agencies have stated that those who have settled near such installations are putting their lives at risk.
Kenya Power's Central Regional Manager, Geoffrey Muli, and Kenya Pipeline's Acting Managing Director, Hudson Andambi, have emphasized the importance of relocating the residents. They have noted that past efforts to move those living near power lines have been challenging.
Speaking to The Standard on October 2, 2019, Muli stated, "Residents need to understand these areas are dangerous." He added that the eviction notices would be enforced, and those who fail to leave voluntarily would be removed by enforcement officers.
The Uganda power line, which transmits 22,000 kilowatts of power from Uganda to the National Control Centre in Nairobi, passes through the two slums. Muli noted that the high-voltage cables have strong magnetic fields around them, posing significant health risks.
According to Kenya Power, a line requires a way-leave of 30 meters to ensure safety.
