A transmission tower along the Naivasha-Juja 132kV double-circuit line was vandalised, causing a collapse and disrupting electricity supply through the Ruaraka Substation at about 3 a.m. on Sunday. The incident plunged several estates along Thika Road and surrounding areas into darkness. Kenya Power's teams immediately rerouted power through alternative substations to restore supply to affected customers.
Kenya Power reported that power supply was restored to all affected customers by 4:30 a.m., although some areas remained without power for several hours. The company condemned the incident, stating that items recovered at the scene indicated the vandals were present when the tower collapsed. Investigations have been launched, and restoration works are ongoing.
The vandalism of electricity infrastructure threatens public safety, disrupts power supply, and causes substantial financial losses, according to Kenya Power. The company has recorded a 200 per cent increase in vandalism incidents over the past three months, including the destruction of 37 transformers. This recent incident has raised concerns about the security of Kenya's electricity infrastructure.
Kenya Power's security team and the police are investigating the incident, while transmission and Airmobile teams have commenced restoration works. The company has urged the public to report any suspicious activities around electricity infrastructure to prevent such incidents in the future. The authorities are working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The vandalism incident along Thika Road is part of a larger trend of attacks on electricity infrastructure in Kenya. Kenya Power has called for increased vigilance and cooperation from the public to protect electricity infrastructure. The company is working to improve security measures to prevent future incidents.
The impact of the vandalism incident is being felt by residents and businesses along Thika Road, who experienced power outages. The incident has also raised concerns about the reliability of Kenya's power supply. Kenya Power has assured customers that it is working to prevent such incidents and minimize their impact.
Kenya Power has reiterated its commitment to providing reliable power supply to its customers. The company is working to enhance its security measures to protect its infrastructure from vandalism. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting critical infrastructure to ensure public safety and reliable service delivery.
Key points
- Kenya Power reports a 200 per cent increase in vandalism incidents over the past three months.
- The vandalism incident caused power outages in several estates along Thika Road and surrounding areas.
- Investigations have been launched, and restoration works are ongoing.
