Each transformer, according to Kenya Power Chairperson Joy Brenda Masinde, costs approximately Ksh2 million to replace.
Speaking during a recent press briefing, Masinde expressed concern over the increasing rate of transformer vandalism, describing it as both costly and disruptive to households and businesses.
She emphasized that the destruction of transformers not only affects power distribution but also interrupts services for thousands of residents who rely on electricity for daily activities.
“Vandalism is a serious issue. This month, we have lost over 40 transformers in Nairobi alone,” Masinde said.
“Replacing each one costs Ksh2 million, and the repeated destruction is a major financial and operational challenge for Kenya Power.”
The chairperson explained that transformers are essential for stepping down high-voltage electricity to levels that can safely reach homes and businesses.
When these critical pieces of equipment are destroyed, communities experience outages, and repair efforts take time, leaving residents without power.
Kenya Power officials warned that the vandalism problem not only affects electricity supply but also has wider economic implications.
Businesses and schools lose valuable hours of operation, and the company bears significant costs in procurement, installation, and maintenance of replacement transformers.
Masinde appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities and report suspicious activities near power infrastructure.
She also urged residents to educate their communities on the dangers and consequences of vandalism.
The chairperson emphasized that transformers are expensive public assets, and destroying them harms everyone by increasing electricity costs and disrupting service.