Kenya Power Staff
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The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has linked a recent power outage impacting Kenyatta University students to a violent incident that obstructed efforts to replace a transformer in the Kiwanja area of Roysambu.
The disruption occurred when KPLC personnel faced aggression while attempting to install a new high-voltage transformer last week. KPLC reported that the issues began when a 200kVA transformer serving the area failed late last year. In response, the company temporarily installed a 315kVA unit due to a shortage of equivalent transformers. However, during the installation of a suitable replacement, KPLC staff encountered hostility from local residents, resulting in injuries to the workers and damage to their vehicles.
The assailants inflicted considerable damage, including compromising the truck's hydraulic system, puncturing its wheels, and shattering the windscreen. Several employees required hospitalization as a result, and the damaged vehicle has since been sent for repairs. In their statement, KPLC emphasized their commitment to collaborating with security agencies to address the situation in Kiwanja and restore power. The area contains numerous residential buildings, including those housing students from Kenyatta University.
“As soon as the team commenced disconnection of the 315kVA transformer to facilitate the swap, locals confronted them by throwing stones and injuring a number of their employees and damaging the truck that had ferried the team and the new transformer to the site,” the statement reads in part.
In response to the ongoing power outage, which has persisted for two weeks, students from Kenyatta University blocked a section of the Thika Superhighway on Monday, causing significant traffic disruptions. Adero Reagan, a representative for off-campus students, voiced concerns over the profound impact of the outage and confirmed that protests would continue until their demands are met.
“For the last two weeks, we have not been having power. If this is the way they want us to go, then we will also move in this direction. We have decided that there is no business on Thika Highway until our demands are well restored,” Reagan asserted.