Economic Sabotage: Kenya Power Infrastructure Worth Sh70 Million Recovered In Juja

KIAMBU,Kenya, Mar, 7 – The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) alongside investigating agencies have launched a manhunt for several people said to have vandalized critical infrastructure at Kimbo area, in Juja, Kiambu county.

According to preliminary reports, infrastructure worth Sh70 million was recovered at a homestead in the area during an impromptu raid that was also attended by Energy Cabinet Secretary Dr. Monica Juma.

Kenya powers officers recovered 15 transformers, electricity cables, conductors alongside other powerline materials.

“Initial estimate of losses amounts to more than Sh75 million, a clear demonstration of the sabotage on the economy and to the aspiration of Government to connect more Kenyans to power,” said Juma.

Police reports said that the materials were stolen from various Kenya Power sites and that suspects might be trained technicians and engineers.

The power supplier had launched a nationwide operation that involved working with civilians too track down suspects accused of vandalizing its property.

“These acts are not acceptable and every measure will be taken to stop them. I call on every citizen to assist in this effort by reporting any suspicious actions near or on energy infrastructure,” she said.

Juma further condemned the widespread vandalism terming it as unacceptable and counter productive to the country’s economic goals.

President Uhuru Kenyatta instituted a nationwide moratorium on the trade of scrap metal.

The move is part of  government efforts to tame illegal trade that has coincided with a recent wave of vandalism of public installations across the country.

The President said the moratorium will stay in place until after the Government puts in place adequate measures to effectively police the sourcing, trade and export of scrap metal warning that those found culpable for vandalism of state infrastructure will be dealt with firmly.

While referring to recent vandalism of electricity transmission infrastructure, the Standard Gauge Railway and communication masts, President Kenyatta termed the acts as economic sabotage saying the Government won’t tolerate the destruction.