Kenya Power: Transformers worth Ksh.50M stolen monthly

Kenya Power has decried loss of millions of shillings through theft of transformers in various regions across the country.

Speaking in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, Kenya Power General Manager Eng. David Mwaniki said at least 100 transformers go missing monthly; each costing the company Ksh.500,000.

“In a month, about 100 transformers are stolen, and each costs us Ksh.500,000; this totals to about Ksh.50 million. That is a lot of money that can be used to set up electricity in areas where there is none,” said Eng. Mwaniki.

The Kenya Power boss further expressed frustration at the vandalism of street lights that were in March installed in Kirinyaga County during the sixth Devolution Conference.

According to Eng. Mwaniki, 86 street lights were installed but at least 46 of them are now faulty due to vandalism.

Eng. Mwaniki said the vandalism has dealt Kenya Power another loss of Ksh.60 million, adding that officials from company are now working with the county security team to conduct night patrols.

The lighting company chief spoke when he toured Kirinyaga County after Karuti area residents, led by their Member of Parliament Gicimu Githinji, protested against alleged disconnection of power supply to their homes for over two years.