This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
On October 25, 2019, a significant number of business stalls and homes in the Kaptembwo area of Nakuru West Sub-county were demolished. The structures were constructed under high-voltage electricity pylons and those standing on oil pipeline wayleaves in Nakuru town.
According to Kenya Power Central Rift Wayleave Officer Daisy Chumba, 50 more buildings would be pulled down. The structures were built on a 132,000-volt power wayleave spanning 6.5 kilometers from Keptembwo to Lanet Power Station.
Locals had been issued with an eviction notice on October 4, which expired on October 11. After the notice expired, Kenya Power and KPC marked beacons along the affected stretch, covering about 4 kilometers.
Chumba stated that among Kenya Power's five control centers countrywide, Nakuru's is the most affected by encroachment. The high-voltage cables have strong magnetic fields around them, posing health risks to residents.
Those affected by the demolition would not be compensated, according to Chumba. William Kendagor, KPC's regional officer in charge of security, added that fuel transported by the pipeline is dangerous, and locals cannot trade along the wayleave.
