This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
Kenya Power has marked 53 houses constructed near high-voltage power lines in Nakuru town for demolition. The houses are located on a 6.5-kilometre stretch from Kaptembwo to Lanet power station.
According to Kenya Power Central Rift way-leave officer Daisy Chumba, both temporary and permanent structures under the lines will be pulled down to avert danger. The notice issued to residents on October 4 expires on October 11.
Kenya Power is also placing beacons along the way-leave to prevent further encroachment. Chumba said, “We have our own surveyors who are mapping the way-leave and placing beacons using a map acquired from Ministry of Lands.”
Kenya Power can charge people encroaching on its line’s way-leave, according to the Energy Regulation Act 2019, which came into force on March 28, 2019. Penalties include a fine of not less than Sh1 million or one year imprisonment.
Kenya Power will be working with Kenya Pipeline Company and county leadership to move the encroachers. Hundreds of residents also operate within the Kenya Pipeline grid.
