The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has called for a total ban on waste copper and stringent action against rogue scrap metal traders in a bid to curb rampant vandalism of power infrastructure.
Speaking on Wednesday, May 22, the Company’s Managing Director (MD) and CEO, Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror, cited a connection between local trade in waste copper and vandalism.
“Our investigations have revealed a direct link between vandalism and copper waste business. For example, between January and May 2022 when the government banned scrap metal dealing, we had zero cases of vandalism,” Dr. Siror said.
“However, immediately the moratorium was lifted, we saw a serious spike in vandalism cases, and 76 transformers worth KSh68 million were vandalized between May and December 2022. The loss constitutes only the cost of installing a new transformer. If you compute the cost of unserved energy, loss of business and possibly lives, the loses are in billions of Kenya shillings.”
Dr. Siror further added that in 2023, the Company lost another 365 transformers worth KSh328 million, and an additional 78 transformers worth KSh78 million in 2024.
Kenya Power Calls for Vetting of Scrap Metal Dealers & Traders
He called for the vetting of all stakeholders engaged in the scrap metal trade including local collectors, main scrap metal dealers, smelters, and exporters.
“We propose that all traders dealing with scrap metal, especially copper and aluminum, must declare their sources to ensure traceability and accountability,” he added.
The MD said a joint inspection of business premises to ensure compliance with the law and filling of returns by dealers as per the Scrap Metal Act and Scrap Metal regulations should be implemented.
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Additionally, Siror called for a more robust regulatory framework in the scrap metal trade to help weed out rogue elements who are direct beneficiaries of vandalism.
He hailed the provisions in the Energy Act 2019, which criminalizes tampering with electricity installations, energy theft, vandalism, and damage to streetlights and power infrastructure.
The KPLC CEO said the Act is playing a big role in combating vandalism as it prescribes a Ksh5 million fine or a five-year prison sentence, or both, for offenders.
“This serves as a strong deterrent and underscores the collective responsibility to protect our shared resources. While many participants in the scrap metal industry are legitimate, a few unscrupulous dealers perpetuate this vice,” Dr. Siror added.
“We urge all stakeholders to join us in rooting out these elements to ensure a sustainable and reliable power supply for all Kenyans.”
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Impacts of Vandalism on KPLC Supply
He explained that Kenya Power faces significant challenges due to rampant vandalism of energy infrastructure, which leads to unplanned outages, customer inconvenience, and risks to human and animal lives.
Consequently, this hinders economic growth, increases business costs, risks widespread power outages, compromises law and order, and loses foreign investor confidence.
Dr. Siror made these remarks during a joint stakeholders’ forum attended by representatives from the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), the Scrap Metal Council, and scrap metal dealers.
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