A total of 10 transformers worth Sh15 million have been vandalized in Elgeyo Marakwet County according to the Acting County Business manager Anthony Kibor.
Kibor said the vandalism was being undertaken by criminals who were after the copper wires found in the transformers.
Addressing the press in Iten Town, the business manager called on residents to assist KPLC to apprehend the culprits by reporting anyone suspected to be involved in the menace which he said have cost major losses to the company.
He reminded residents that they have a major stake in protecting the transformers as they are the ones who suffer most when they don’t have electricity as they await for KPLC to replace the same.
Kibor added that the company apart from losing funds when replacing the transformers, they also lose in terms of revenues when people go without using electricity due to the vandalizing.
He said the most affected areas were Kiptabus, Sergoit, Moiben, Kaptarakwa and Nyaru areas with 6 of the transformers being vandaliz
ed in Keiyo North and a further 3 in Keiyo South.
The Keiyo North Depity County Commissioner Julius Maiyo said apart from the vandalizing of transformers, there was a challenge of illegal connections which he said was risky as it can result to fires leading to loss of lives and properties.
He said KPLC and the security team will be conducting an inspection of illegal connections and anyone found having illegally connected electricity will be fined sh.1 million.
The DCC also called on residents to ensure they cut trees along power lines as they interfere with the cables.
Source: Kenya News Agency