Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has revealed that 78 transformers worth Ksh.78 million have been vandalized since the beginning of 2024.
KPLC CEO Dr Joseph Siror said billions of shillings were lost due to vandalism and urged a total ban on copper exports.
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Dr Siror also disclosed that between May 2022 and December 2023, the nation lost 441 transformers valued at about Ksh.396 million.
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The Kenya Power boss addressed a joint stakeholders’ forum attended by representatives from the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), the Scrap Metal Council, and scrap metal dealers.
The Kenya Power CEO was speaking at a joint stakeholders' event attended by officials from the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), the Scrap Metal Council, and scrap metal traders.
He emphasized that the government should take steps to prohibit scrap metal trafficking to reduce vandalism, citing the fact that incidents have increased since the restriction was repealed in 2022.
The Managing Director requested that all parties in the scrap metal trade, including local collectors, main scrap metal dealers, smelters, and exporters, be vetted.
He also wants merchants to follow the law and file returns by the Scrap Metal Act and regulations, stating that this will filter out illegal traders and vandals.
According to the CEO, the provisions in the Energy Act 2019, which criminalizes tampering with electricity installations, energy theft, vandalism, and damage to streetlights and power infrastructure, would go a long way towards combating vandalism because an offender would face a Ksh.5 million fine, a five-year prison sentence, or both.
