Security officers urged to tackle rising cases of electricity vandalism

Energy Principal Secretary (PS) Alex Wachira said cases of electricity vandalism were on the rise, causing economic sabotage, disrupting essential services, and endangering communities. He called on security agencies to intensify measures to curb the vice.

He made the remarks at Kandutura Village in Laikipia North Constituency, where he commissioned a rural electrification project under the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC). He was accompanied by Tourism PS Sylvia Museiya and area Member of Parliament Sarah Korere.

The Energy PS also announced that the government is considering resuming a stalled project to develop and maintain high-voltage power transmission lines and substations.

The initiative was halted after the cancellation of a $736.6 million (Ksh.95 billion) deal between Adani Energy Solutions and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco). The project was aimed at improving Kenya’s electricity supply reliability and addressing frequent power outages.

Mr. Wachira further noted that the government intends to generate geothermal power from the Menengai area in Nakuru County and establish substations in Ol-Kalou, Nyandarua County, and Rumuruti, Laikipia County, to improve power supply in the region.

He said the government would reinitiate the transmission project through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to ensure its successful completion.