Machakos County is grappling with massive losses following the theft of 200 electricity meters from public institutions, a development that has severely impacted service delivery. County officials revealed the shocking extent of the meter vandalism on Monday after conducting a verification exercise across different areas in response to public outcry.
Energy Chief Officer Simon Kirima disclosed that out of 1,800 electricity meters installed to serve various public institutions, 200 have been stolen. He emphasized that the theft has hindered the provision of essential services, leaving many citizens in distress. “The disappearance of these meters has led to significant disruptions in operations across public institutions,” Kirima noted.
During the crackdown, two stolen meters belonging to the county government were discovered in a private residential property. One of the stolen meters had an account balance of Ksh205,951, while the county had already paid Ksh1.6 million for its usage. “This is a major loss to the county, running into millions,” lamented Newton Musyoka, the county’s Energy Director.
In response to the rampant theft, Musyoka has issued a stern ultimatum, directing anyone in possession of stolen county meters to return them to the nearest police station or departmental offices within seven days. He warned that failure to comply would result in legal action.
Kirima reiterated that Kenya Power is working closely with county officials to trace the stolen meters and identify culprits involved in illegal electricity connections. He made it clear that anyone found with stolen meters would face charges in accordance with the law. “Illegal connections not only contribute to financial losses but also pose a significant safety risk to residents,” he added.
Illegal electricity connections, defined as unauthorized alterations of electrical installations to evade payment, pose serious risks. Such activities increase the chances of electrical overloads, fires, and damage to appliances, endangering entire neighborhoods. Furthermore, illegal connections place additional financial burdens on legitimate consumers and reduce government revenue.
The Energy Act of 2019 prescribes severe penalties for vandalism, theft, and destruction of power installations, including a fine of Ksh5 million or imprisonment for five years, or both. Additionally, vehicles used in transporting stolen power equipment are subject to confiscation by the state. Those involved in illegal electricity connections face fines of up to Ksh1 million or one year in jail, with immediate disconnection of the unlawful connection.
Machakos County officials have vowed to intensify crackdowns and ensure those responsible for electricity meter theft and illegal power connections are brought to justice. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activities to the authorities to curb the vice and safeguard public infrastructure.
