Kenya Power patners with DCI to crack down vandalism and Electricity theft

Nairobi, 

Thursday, 16 November, 2023. 

McCreadie Andias 

The Kenya Power and Lightning Company has announced a partnership with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in a move to crack down vandalism and Electricity theft.

The partnership was announced on Thursday via a press release issued through the Institution's social media platforms.

In this partnership, the DCI has attached 42 officers to work collaborately with Kenya Power's security team to curb vandalism, theft of electricity and Fibre as well as illegal encroachment of wayleaves. 

During the last financial year, the company recorded a 42% increase in transformer vandalism affecting 242 transformers as compared to 165 units affected last year. 

"We have witnessed a recent surge in cases of vandalism and illegal connections across the country leading to unplanned power outraged that inconvenience out customers," Said Joseph Siror, KPLC managing Director. 

"The company is working with verious security agencies including collaborating with the DCI to tackle this illegal activities" Siror added. 

Siror said that KPLC is confident that it's partnership with the DCI will boost its capacity to combat vandalism and other crimes through intelligence - led approach. 

Deputy Director of DCI Paul Wachira said that the institution will continue conducting investigations and protecting the energy sector. 

"We will work collaborately for the purpose of following the money trail, especially among those handling stolen copper and from vandalized transformers so that the masterminds of these activities are arrested and prosecuted "Wachira Said. 

Kenya Power says that beyond the menace of vandalism and illegal power connections, the public is also exposed to the threat of electrocution. 

Additionally, vandalism affects the quality of power supply and directly affects the economy as a reliable power supply is vital for the growth of the economy. 

Since July last year, a total of 1026 people have been arrested and prosecuted in connection to electricity crimes with 472 of the cases being related to vandalism, theft of energy equipment and destruction of energy infrastructure. 

Kenya Power says it will conduct a public awareness campaign to adress this issues.