Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has announced a fine of Ksh. 5 million for anyone who will be found vandalizing any electricity equipment.
In a notice on Friday, December 8, the company noted those vandalizing transformers, power towers, power conductors (cables) if found would risk 10 years in prison or pay the fine.
Also, Kenya Power said those who destroy poles, meters or even steal electricity would also face the same penalties.
“Anyone found involved in the mentioned criminal activities is liable to a fine of not less than KShs.5 million or to a term of imprisonment of ten years or both,” read part of the notice.
“Kenya Power would like to caution that vandalism of transformers, power towers, power conductors (cables), poles, meters and theft of electricity are all crimes punishable under the Energy Act 2019,” the notice read in part.
Effects Of Vandalism
According to Kenya Power, vandalism causes unplanned outages thereby inconveniencing customers, and the general public.
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Also, Vandalism of transformers, poles and conductors pose risk to human and animal lives as vandals leave power infrastructure exposed, leading to a possibility of electrocution.
On its part, Kenya Power called upon the public to keep watch of the nearest transformer serving them and not allow vandals to destroy it.
Also, members of the public were called upon to report any cases of vandalism to any Kenya Power office near them, to the area Chief or police post.
“Report any cases of transformer vandalism or vandalism of any power infrastructure by calling Kenya Power on 97771. You can also dial *977# to report any power related incident,” the statement read in part.
KPLC Parners with DCI
Kenya Power has partnered with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to fight rising cases of vandalism across the country.
Nonetheless, DCI attached 42 officers to work with Kenya Power’s security team and other relevant functions to stem vandalism, theft of electricity and fibre, as well as illegal encroachment of wayleaves.
During the last financial year, Kenya Power recorded a 46% growth in cases of transformer vandalism affecting 242 transformers compared to 165 units that were vandalized in the previous year.
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“We have witnessed a recent surge in cases of vandalism and illegal connections across the country leading to unplanned power outages that inconvenience our customers,” Kenya Power’s Managing Director and CEO, Joseph Siror noted.
Earlier Arrests
The Kenya Power said more than 1,000 people were arrested and prosecuted since July last year over illegal activities linked to electricity connections across the country.
In a statement, the company’s Managing Director said out of those arrested, 472 cases were related to vandalism, theft of electricity equipment, and damage to energy infrastructure.
Additionally, 320 people were arrested for illegal connections and fraudulent consumption of electricity while thirty-three (33) were arrested for wayleave encroachment.
