Machakos County has launched an aggressive crackdown to recover stolen electricity meters following a verification exercise that revealed the theft of 200 meters out of the 1,800 serving public institutions. The county has been suffering financial losses due to unauthorized usage of these stolen meters, prompting immediate action from local authorities.
The verification exercise, conducted by county energy officials, uncovered a case where a missing meter was found installed at a residential property. Records indicate that the county government had already paid Ksh1.6 million for electricity consumed through this particular meter, identified as Meter Number 1175624 under Account Number 45067531. At the time of the discovery, the account balance stood at Ksh205,951, adding to the county’s mounting losses.
In response, Machakos County Energy Director Newton Musyoka issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to individuals in possession of county-owned meters, demanding their return to avoid legal action. The directive aims to curb further financial hemorrhage and ensure that public institutions receive the services they rightfully deserve without unauthorized diversions.
Chief Officer for Energy Mr. Kirima, while overseeing the crackdown, emphasized that the county is determined to bring those responsible to justice. He pointed out that such fraudulent activities not only strain county resources but also disrupt essential public services. The theft of these meters directly affects schools, hospitals, and other public institutions that rely on uninterrupted power supply.
Kenya Power has also joined forces with the county authorities in tracking down the stolen meters. The utility company has been assisting in identifying irregular connections and verifying ownership details, making it harder for unscrupulous individuals to continue benefiting from stolen power.
The Machakos County government is calling on residents to report any suspicious installations or cases of power theft. Authorities believe that community involvement is crucial in eliminating such fraudulent activities and ensuring that public funds are used appropriately.
The recovery of these stolen meters is expected to significantly reduce the county’s financial burden and improve service delivery. With legal action looming, those in possession of stolen meters are now under pressure to comply with the county’s directive before the ultimatum lapses.
As Machakos intensifies its crackdown, other counties facing similar issues may take note and implement similar verification exercises to safeguard public resources. The outcome of this initiative will likely set a precedent for future measures in combating electricity theft across the country.
