Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson, in collaboration with the National Police Service and Kenya Power, has dismantled an illegal electricity distribution hub operating near the National Archives in the Central Business District (CBD).
The rogue station had been illegally supplying power to shop owners while tampering with security lighting and CCTV systems. It was shut down on Monday September 8 afternoon as a manhunt for its mastermind got underway.
Sakaja while addressing the press said vandalism of public infrastructure is criminal and deserves the highest sentence,
“Over the past few days, our electrical team, together with the security team, has been monitoring streets experiencing power outages. These are streets that have streetlights and installations, but a few individuals have been sabotaging them,” he said.
“One of the issues includes illegal tapping into the power grid by Kenya Power and the county.”
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The County boss further highlighted the extent of illegal tampering with the city’s power infrastructure. He revealed that critical installations along Tomboya Monument supply electricity to areas including the whole of Kencom, Ambassador, and the National Archives.
Sakaja said a vehicle involved in vandalism, with its number plate already identified and reported to the police, was spotted by officers on Monday morning.
He emphasized that such acts of sabotage, including removing streetlights and tampering with connector points, undermine public safety and urged relevant agencies to ensure swift prosecution of the offenders.
Authorities have since unveiled a comprehensive security and infrastructure plan aimed at restoring order in the CBD.
The initiative targets rampant muggings, vandalism, and power failures caused by sabotage and illegal connections, which have plunged large sections of the city into darkness.
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Governor Sakaja, Nairobi Regional Commander, and Kenya Power officials emphasized that street lighting is not merely an urban service but a critical security necessity.
“At the end, we will meet with the landlords to ensure that everyone has his/her own cameras outside their shops or offices, as well as proper lighting. While the city provides public infrastructure in line with regulations and bylaws, you must also have your own spotlight,” he added.
“This complements the public systems and contributes to the overall security of the city. This is standard practice worldwide.”
Measures already in progress include securing power feed points, replacing faulty lamps, protecting maintenance crews, and fast-tracking repairs in high-risk areas.
The Governor also called on the national government to help bridge funding gaps while urging the business community to install CCTV cameras and share intelligence.
He warned that vandals and illegal power operators will be pursued relentlessly, declaring that Nairobi will no longer be a safe haven for criminals.
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