Kenya Power Wants Complete Ban On These Exports To Tame Vandalism

Kenya Power is now calling for a total ban on waste copper in a bid to curb rampant vandalism of power infrastructure.

Speaking on Wednesday, May 22 during a joint stakeholders’ forum attended by representatives from the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), the Scrap Metal Council, and scrap metal dealers, Kenya Power Managing Director & CEO, Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror cited a connection between local trade in waste copper and vandalism.

Siror indicated that the company lost millions of shillings through vandalism cases mainly targeting transformers, a matter that was not the case when the scrap metal ban was in place.

“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," he revealed.

"However, immediately the moratorium was lifted, we saw a serious spike in vandalism cases, and 76 transformers worth Ksh68 million were vandalised between May and December 2022."

The vandalism put the monopoly power supplier in a difficult spot as it had to keep replacing transformers to avert serious consequences from the vile act which ruined the businesses and lives of Kenyans as well as the loss of billions of shillings from the power firm.

"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 losses are in billions of Kenya shillings,” Dr. (Eng.) Siror.

The Managing Director added that in 2023, the Company lost another 365 transformers worth Ksh328 million, and this year, 78 transformers worth Ksh78 million have been vandalised so far.

He called for the vetting of all stakeholders engaged in the scrap metal trade including local collectors, main scrap metal dealers, smelters and exporters.

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

He also called for joint inspection of business premises to ensure compliance with the law and filling of returns by dealers as per the Scrap Metal Act and Scrap Metal regulations, should be implemented.

Siror during the session also called for a more robust regulatory framework in the scrap metal trade to help weed out rogue elements who are direct beneficiaries of vandalism

Nonetheless, he hailed the provisions in the Energy Act 2019, which criminalises tampering with electricity installations, energy theft, vandalism, and damage to streetlights and power infrastructure, which he said was playing a big role in combating vandalism.

The Act prescribes a Ksh5 million fine or a five-year prison sentence, or both, for offenders. 

"This serves as a strong deterrent and underscores the collective responsibility to protect our shared resources.

"While many participants in the scrap metal industry are legitimate, a few unscrupulous dealers perpetuate this vice. We urge all stakeholders to join us in rooting out these elements to ensure a sustainable and reliable power supply for all Kenyans," he added.

Data also showed that in the 2019-2020 financial year, 127 transformer vandalism incidents valued at Ksh 40,546,516.88 were recorded. Nairobi led with the highest cases followed by North Rift, Mt. Kenya, and Central Rift.

Some of the vandals were jailed for 30 years and fined Ksh15 million. 166 cases are pending in court.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta banned the scrap metal trade in January 2022 and ordered police to arrest and press treason charges against individuals vandalising national infrastructure projects.

The ban was in place as the government developed proper guidelines and was lifted on May 1 of the same year.