Ten transformers worth Sh15 million have been vandalised in Elgeyo Marakwet, leading to significant financial and operational losses for the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). The vandalism, primarily driven by criminals seeking copper wires from the transformers, has not only disrupted power supply but also affected the livelihoods of residents in the region. Acting county business manager Anthony Kibor revealed these details during a press briefing in Iten town, where he called for community cooperation in apprehending the perpetrators.
Financial and Operational Impact
Kibor outlined the extensive losses KPLC faces due to the destruction of these transformers. Beyond the immediate cost of replacing the damaged equipment, the company also suffers from lost revenue as prolonged power outages impact businesses and homes. The vandals’ actions have a ripple effect, causing inconvenience and financial strain to residents who rely on consistent electricity supply for their daily activities.
“The residents are the ones who suffer most when they don’t have electricity,” Kibor emphasized. He urged the community to take an active role in protecting the infrastructure, stressing that reporting suspicious activities could help curb the menace. The most affected areas include Kiptabus, Sergoit, Moiben, Kaptarakwa, and Nyaru, with six transformers vandalised in Keiyo North and four in Keiyo South.
Community Involvement and Security Measures
Kibor implored residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals who might be involved in the vandalism. He noted that protecting the transformers is not just KPLC’s responsibility but a collective effort that involves the entire community. The appeal to the public is part of a broader strategy to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents to safeguard the transformers that are vital to their daily lives.
Keiyo North Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Julius Maiyo echoed Kibor’s concerns, highlighting the dangers associated with transformer vandalism and illegal connections. He pointed out that illegal electricity connections pose a significant risk, including the potential for fires that could lead to loss of lives and property. To address this issue, KPLC, in collaboration with security teams, will be conducting inspections to identify and penalise illegal connections.
Crackdown on Illegal Connections
Maiyo warned that anyone found with illegal electricity connections would face hefty fines, up to Sh1 million. This stringent measure aims to deter individuals from engaging in illegal activities that compromise the safety and reliability of the power supply. The crackdown on illegal connections is also part of a broader initiative to enhance the safety and security of the electrical infrastructure in the region.
Apart from vandalism and illegal connections, the DCC urged residents to ensure that trees along power lines are trimmed. Overgrown trees can interfere with cables, leading to power outages and posing additional safety risks. Maiyo’s call to action underscores the importance of community involvement in maintaining a secure and reliable electricity supply.
Way Forward
The vandalism of transformers in Elgeyo Marakwet highlights the broader challenges KPLC faces in maintaining its infrastructure amidst rising cases of theft and illegal connections. The appeal for community involvement and the collaboration between KPLC and local security forces represent a proactive approach to addressing these issues. However, the success of these efforts largely depends on the willingness of residents to take an active role in protecting their community’s power resources.
As KPLC continues to work on restoring power and replacing the vandalised transformers, it is clear that a collective effort is needed to prevent further losses. The cooperation between residents, KPLC, and law enforcement agencies will be crucial in safeguarding the region’s electrical infrastructure and ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for all.
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