Siaya: The Kenya power company is appealing to Siaya County residents' support to curb rising vandalism of power infrastructure installations in the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, the company's Siaya county branch manager, Calvin Jagongo, highlighted that the rate at which electricity cables and transformers are being vandalised in the region was alarming, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to stop the vice. Jagongo, who led a team of Kenya Power officials in inspecting the infrastructure and later addressed a public baraza at Tingare trading centre, Ugunja subcounty, stated that the company is prepared to work closely with the public and national government administrative officers to enhance vigilance against vandals targeting electric infrastructure.
He mentioned that a multi-stakeholder approach was the most effective strategy to combat theft of electricity installations in the region. During the public baraza at Tingare trading centre, Nicholas Gwadi, the coordinator of the rural electrification programme in Ugunja constituency, urged the public to volunteer information that could lead to the arrest of criminals who interfere with public infrastructure, especially electric installation.
North Uholo location chief Gerald Opondo assured that the National Government Administrative Officers in the area were ready to support the company in the war against vandals. Opondo committed to sensitising the public on the importance of protecting critical infrastructure and apprehending those who interfere with it.
Area residents, including Martabel Ogunde and Vincent Asoma, attributed the increase in vandalism cases to the inadequate response by security agencies whenever an issue is reported. The public baraza noted that the areas of Ulaga, Luoka, Tingare, and Lolwe have experienced vandalism in the past month, subjecting residents to prolonged blackouts.
Last month, energy cabinet secretary Opiyo Wandayi expressed disappointment over the rising cases of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure and urged Kenyans to join the fight against vandals. Wandayi, during the launch of a rural electrification project in North Gem ward, Siaya county, emphasized that anyone engaging in vandalism of critical infrastructure must be dealt with firmly according to the law, urging the police and national government administration officers to help address the issue. He stressed the importance of identifying, apprehending, and handing over vandals to the police for necessary action.