KPLC grappling with vandalism spike in Machakos and Nairobi

KPLC revealed that 25 transformers were vandalized in Machakos last year, with another 30 incidents recorded in 2023. 

The situation is even more dire in Nairobi, where at least 85 transformers were destroyed last year, resulting in economic and opportunity losses worth millions of shillings.

Speaking at a community engagement forum in Machakos, Hicks Amumbwa Waswa, Kenya Power’s Nairobi Regional Director, stated that the vandalism has directly contributed to frequent power outages and a notable rise in electricity costs. 

“These attacks are not just acts of theft—they are sabotaging livelihoods and development,” Waswa warned.

To combat the crisis, Kenya Power is accelerating efforts to modernize its electricity network, including the rollout of smart meters embedded with SIM cards to streamline customer communication and eliminate manual meter reading.

The company is also urging Parliament to approve a proposal that would hand the Ministry of Interior control over street lighting in counties—framing the issue as a matter of national security.

Machakos remains one of Kenya Power's highest revenue-generating regions, with over 400,000 customers and monthly returns estimated at Ksh. 2 billion. 

Despite this, residents voiced frustration during the meeting, accusing the company of delayed response and inadequate support.

Festus Odumbe, a representative from KARA, stressed the organization’s commitment to amplifying resident voices and holding utility providers accountable.