Kenya Power has reported a significant increase in vandalism incidents targeting its electricity infrastructure. The company stated that over the past three months, it has experienced a 200% rise in such incidents, with a total of 37 transformers vandalized during this period. This surge in vandalism has raised concerns about the reliability and sustainability of Kenya's electricity network.
The latest incident occurred on a transmission tower along the Naivasha-Juja 132kV double-circuit line, which collapsed at around 3 am after being targeted by vandals. The collapse disrupted electricity supply through the Ruaraka Substation, affecting customers connected to the network. However, Kenya Power's teams quickly rerouted electricity through alternative substations, restoring supply to all affected customers by 4:30 am.
Kenya Power has condemned the vandalism, warning that attacks on electricity infrastructure pose significant threats to public safety, disrupt supply, and cause substantial financial losses. The company has urged customers and members of the public to help protect infrastructure serving their communities by reporting suspicious activities around power installations to the nearest police station or directly to Kenya Power.
The increase in vandalism incidents has highlighted the need for stronger and coordinated measures to protect critical electricity infrastructure and investments in the power network. Kenya Power has called for stronger cooperation between security agencies, communities, and electricity consumers to help identify and prevent attacks on critical power installations.
The company has previously warned that vandalism of power infrastructure can lead to prolonged outages, damage equipment, and expose members of the public to serious safety risks. Kenya Power's security team and police are currently investigating the incident, while transmission and Airmobile teams have started restoration work on the damaged infrastructure.
The Naivasha-Juja 132kV double-circuit line forms part of the transmission network used to move electricity between substations and supply customers. Kenya Power has assured the public that its teams will continue restoration works while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tower collapse are ongoing.
Kenya Power has emphasized that protecting electricity infrastructure is a shared responsibility. The company has urged the public to report any suspicious activities around power installations to help prevent further vandalism incidents and ensure the reliability and sustainability of Kenya's electricity network.
Key points
- Kenya Power reports a 200% increase in vandalism incidents targeting electricity infrastructure over the past three months.
- The incidents have caused significant disruptions to electricity supply and pose serious safety risks to the public.
- Kenya Power is calling for stronger cooperation between security agencies, communities, and electricity consumers to help identify and prevent attacks on critical power installations.
