By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Kenya Power has called for a total ban on waste copper in a bid to curb rampant vandalism of power infrastructure.
Speaking during a joint stakeholders’ forum attended by representatives from the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), the Scrap Metal Council, and scrap metal dealers, the Company’s Managing Director and Chief Executives Officer (CEO), Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror cited a connection between local trade in waste copper and vandalism.
“Our investigations have revealed a direct link between vandalism and copper waste business,” Dr Siror said.
He revealed that between January and May 2022 when the government banned scrap metal dealing, the company reported zero cases of vandalism.
However, immediately the moratorium was lifted, there was an upsurge of 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,” he noted.
The Managing Director further noted 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.
He further 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,” said the Kenya Power boss.
“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,” added Dr Siror.
He 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.
Meanwhile, Dr Siror 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 KSh 5 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,” Dr. (Eng.) Siror added.