The widespread vandalism of electric transformers could soon come to an end after Kenya Power announced a new plan of action to stop the vice.
Kenya Power Security Chief Geoffrey Kigen stated that the company would start placing the transformers above live wires to make them inaccessible to thieves.
“We are trying to secure the transformers by placing them above live wires where vandals cannot access them,” Kigen was quoted by the Nation.
According to the power distributor, the initiative was prompted by widespread theft and destruction of the transformers a vice costing the company billions of shillings.
“Kenya Power reports loss of billions as a result of vandalism. About 40 per cent of national power interruptions are associated with vandalism related incidents with scrap metal dealings being the main cause of increase in vandalism.The government needs to legislate laws to help in curbing power equipment vandalism,” Kenya Power indicated in 2015.
Transformers are highly targeted in Kenya especially for the oil which is often siphoned and illegally traded. The toxic oil from the apparutus is apparently used to prepare fried foods in roadside stalls, while copper wires from the equipment are sold to fix motors and the scrap metals at times end up being exported to other markets
In 2009, KPLC now Kenya Power had announced the introduction of new transformers that would not use oil in a bid to curb the rampant vandalism.
Last year, Interior and Coordination Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery proposed a law that would attract a minimum fine of Sh5 Million or a jail term of not less than 10 years for power equipment theft.
