Kenya Power clarifies routine transformer maintenance in Mbeere North

In a statement, the utility company explained that transformers with technical faults, such as water ingress or other defects that cannot be repaired on site, are taken to specialised workshops for repairs, testing and controlled heat drying to remove moisture.

"These preventive maintenance interventions have significantly reduced transformer failures across the country over the past three years and remain a key component of the company's asset maintenance programme," the statement said.

Kenya Power noted that 15 transformers were removed from Mbeere North for routine maintenance between May and June this year.

Fourteen have since been repaired and reinstalled, while the remaining transformer was vandalised last week and is scheduled to be replaced on Friday, July 10.

The company said customers are notified whenever such maintenance activities are undertaken and assured the public that the exercise is purely technical.

"We wish to assure our customers that these maintenance activities are purely technical and are undertaken to ensure safe, reliable and stable electricity supply," the statement added.

The clarification follows concerns from residents of Mbeere North after several transformers installed during the 2025 by-election under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme were removed from the area.

The project had connected many households to electricity for the first time after years without power.

The removals sparked anxiety among locals, with some questioning the whereabouts of the transformers and alleging they had been relocated to Ol Kalou ahead of the constituency's parliamentary by-election.