Kenya Power Intensifies Fight Against Vandalism in Coastal Region

MOMBASA – Kenya Power is intensifying its efforts to combat the vandalism of its infrastructure and theft of equipment in the coastal region, collaborating closely with security agencies and local administrative officers. The utility’s crackdown aims to safeguard vital power assets and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to its customers.

According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya Power’s Manager for the Coast region, the company is confronting significant challenges due to the deliberate destruction and theft of its infrastructure, particularly in Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi counties. These criminal activities not only result in power outages but also impose substantial financial and reputational damages on the utility.

During a forum held at Pride Inn Hotel for journalists in Kwale County, Marete detailed the company’s proactive measures, including heightened surveillance and partnership with security forces, to tackle the escalating problem of vandalism. He highlighted the detrimental effects of such activities on the regional power distribution network, emphasizing the resultant inconvenience to customers and broader economic implications.

The regional official denounced the rampant vandalism linked to the illicit scrap metal trade, stressing the necessity of a collective effort to curb these offenses. He underscored the importance of community and stakeholder collaboration in protecting power installations, which are crucial for maintaining the region’s economic vitality and production capacity.

Marete also addressed the inadvertent impact of infrastructure development, calling on road agencies like the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) to coordinate with Kenya Power during road construction and upgrades. Such collaboration is vital to prevent the accidental damage to electricity poles, which can cause further service disruptions.

Kenya Power remains committed to its mission of delivering reliable electricity services, despite the hurdles posed by infrastructure vandalism and theft. The utility’s determined stance against these crimes reflects its dedication to ensuring a stable and efficient power supply for both residential and industrial customers in the coastal region.