Kenya Power has issued a call for a complete ban on copper exports to tackle the widespread vandalism of power infrastructure.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, May 22, the utility company said this call came during a joint stakeholders' forum attended by representatives from various sectors, including the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) and the Scrap Metal Council, along with scrap metal dealers.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Siror emphasized the critical link between the local trade in waste copper and the alarming rate of vandalism.
"Our investigations have revealed a direct link between vandalism and copper waste business," Siror said.
He highlighted the impact of the government's temporary ban on scrap metal dealing, noting that during the ban period, vandalism cases dropped to zero.
According to the Kenya Power boss, once the ban was lifted, vandalism spiked, resulting in the loss of 76 transformers worth Ksh68 million between May and December 2022 alone.
He also explained that the financial toll of vandalism extends beyond the cost of replacing damaged equipment.
"If you compute the cost of unserved energy, loss of business, and possibly lives, the losses are in billions of Kenya shillings."
He further disclosed that in 2023, Kenya Power lost an additional 365 transformers valued at Ksh328 million, and in the current year, 78 transformers worth KSh 78 million have already been vandalized.
"For example, between January and May 2022 when the government banned scrap metal dealing, we had zero cases of vandalism. However, immediately the moratorium was lifted, we saw a serious spike in vandalism cases, and 76 transformers worth KSh 68 million were vandalised between May and December 2022. The loss constitutes only the cost of installing a new transformer. If you compute the cost of unserved energy, loss of business and possibly lives, the loses are in billions of Kenya shillings," Dr. (Eng.) Siror. The Managing Director further added that 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," the Kenya Power boss revealed.
Kenya Power proposes a solution
Siror proposed measures, including the vetting of all stakeholders engaged in the scrap metal trade and the implementation of joint inspections to ensure compliance with regulations.
He suggested that traders must declare their sources of scrap metal, particularly copper and aluminium.
In addition to regulatory measures, Siror praised the provisions of the Energy Act 2019, which criminalizes tampering with electricity installations, energy theft, and vandalism. The Act imposes hefty fines and prison sentences for offenders.
He emphasized the need to root out rogue elements benefiting from vandalism.
PRESS STATEMENT: Kenya Power calls for total ban on Copper Exports, stringent action against rogue scrap metal traders in fight against vandalism.
Key Highlights
1. Kenya Power investigations have revealed a direct link between vandalism and copper waste business.
2.… pic.twitter.com/L4k4KzdTQH— The Kenya Power & Lighting Company Plc. (@KenyaPower) May 22, 2024