The State has stepped up its push to protect electricity infrastructure, cautioning that those damaging power lines, transformers and other installations will face heavy consequences.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said no form of interference with public power systems will be allowed, adding that the Ministry has proposed penalties of up to Sh5 million in fines or jail terms of up to 10 years for those caught.
Addressing residents in Sirisia and Kanduyi constituencies over the weekend, Wandayi said destruction of power equipment weakens electricity supply and delays growth, especially in areas where the government is expanding access. He noted that the country’s plan to connect more regions to the national grid cannot succeed if vandals continue tampering with key installations.
“Illegal activities on the electricity network not only compromise the quality of energy supply but also jeopardise the country's economic growth. The government is committed to ensuring every region gets power,” he said.
The CS urged communities to watch over installations in their neighbourhoods and alert authorities immediately in case of suspicious activity. He also pointed out that Sh1.8 billion was set aside in the last financial year for rural electrification projects in Bungoma County, saying residents must help protect public investments.
His remarks came after a Kitale court sent a man to prison for damaging power infrastructure and stealing equipment belonging to Kenya Power and Lighting Company.
In the ruling, Chief Magistrate Samuel Mokua handed Joel Nyongesa a 10-year sentence after he admitted to three offences under the Energy Act No. 1 of 2019. His co-accused, Charles Luchivia, denied the charges and will stand trial from November 5, 2025.
Court records showed that police in Kitale, working with officers from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, arrested the two on September 17, 2025, in Matunda and Chemororoch after linking them to vandalism incidents.
During the case, prosecution counsel Nancy Omari Nuaimi said the suspects vandalised three transformers worth Sh5 million between August 20 and 24, 2025, with serial numbers 88084, 2902 and ST2061216, and took copper windings and transformer oil worth Sh900,000. Nyongesa was also charged with trying to damage another transformer valued at Sh2 million on August 17, 2025.
Alfred Seroney, a witness from KPLC, said, “This conviction sends a clear message to those who target national energy infrastructure—such crimes will not go unpunished.” Magistrate Mokua stated that transformer vandalism causes losses and disrupts power to homes, schools and health centres. Nyongesa received three 10-year sentences for vandalism, theft and attempted vandalism, to run together, and was given 14 days to appeal.
Officials from Kenya Power and ODPP welcomed the sentencing, saying it will support efforts to stop theft and destruction of power equipment, which drains public resources and interrupts supply across the country.
