78 transformers worth Ksh.78M vandalised this year, Kenya Power boss says

Speaking on Wednesday, the company’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Joseph Siror said that billions of shillings were being lost in vandalism as he called for a total ban on copper exports.

Dr Siror further revealed that between May 2022 and December 2023, the country lost 441transformers worth about Ksh.396 million.

“In 2023, the Company lost another 365 transformers worth KShs 328 million, and this year, 78 transformers worth KSh 78 million have been vandalised so far,” Siror stated.

“76 transformers worth KSh 68 million were vandalised between May and December 2022.”

The Kenya Power boss was addressing a joint stakeholders’ forum attended by representatives from the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), the Scrap Metal Council and scrap metal dealers.

He underscored that the government should move to ban scrap metal dealing to curb vandalism saying that the cases have been rampant since the ban was lifted in 2022.

“Our investigations have revealed a direct link between vandalism and copper waste business. For example, between January and May 2022 when the government banned scrap metal dealing, we had zero cases of vandalism. However, immediately after the moratorium was lifted, we saw a serious spike in vandalism cases,” he said. 

Dr Siror said the loss constitutes only the cost of installing a new transformer but if it was to be computed in addition to the cost of unserved energy, loss of business and possibly lives, the losses would be in billions of Kenya shillings.

The Managing Director at the same time called for the vetting of all stakeholders engaged in the scrap metal trade including local collectors, main scrap metal dealers, smelters and exporters.

He also wants the dealers to comply with the law and file returns as per the Scrap Metal Act and Scrap Metal regulations arguing that it would weed out rogue traders and beneficiaries of vandalism.

“We propose that all traders dealing with scrap metal, especially copper and aluminium, must declare their sources to ensure traceability and accountability,” he added. 

According to the CEO, the provisions in the Energy Act 2019, which criminalises tampering with electricity installations, energy theft, vandalism, and damage to streetlights and power infrastructure would go a long way in combating vandalism since an offender is required to pay Ksh.5 million fine or a five-year prison sentence, or both.