KPLC renews calls on copper exports ban to tame vandalism

Kenya  Power is now seeking the backing of Parliament as it renews its call for a total ban on copper exports to help tame infrastructure vandalism in the country.

While the power distribution company has been pushing for the ban since last year, managing director Joseph Siror has expressed frustrations saying little progress has been made so far as the company continues to lose billions to vandals.

“It is a conversation that we need to take to the next level and actualise a ban to help tame vandalism,” Siror told the Star yesterday.

His sentiments were backed by Energy PS Wachira who said a ban on copper and aluminium is long long overdue.

“We are not a copper mining country but we export billions worth of these products. This has continued to encourage vandalism. A ban is needed to reduce exports and trade in these products which is hurting our infrastructure,” Wachira said.

The two spoke during an energy sector forum in Nairobi yesterday. The calls come in the wake of continued destruction and looting of power lines, transformers, poles and other electrical equipment, including attacks on power sub-stations, that has seen the utility firm lose billions while leaving thousands in darkness.

Kenya Power in 2023 lost 365 transformers worth Sh328 million with more than 78 transformers worth over Sh80 million vandalised last year.

Actions by vandals have also negatively impacted power distribution in the country, according to Kenya Power, with the vice not only rife in the energy sector but also in roads, rail and other strategic national infrastructure.

Siror said scrap metal dealers for the local market should declare their sources especially for copper and aluminium, with a continuous vetting of all those engaged in the scrap metal trade.

These include main scrap metal dealers and smelters.

“There should also be joint inspections of business premises to ensure compliance with the law and filing of returns by dealers as per the Scrap Metal Act and Scrap Metal regulations,” Siror said.

Kenya’s annual copper waste and scrap metal exports are to the tune of Sh6.7 billion, yet it does not produce the same.

While the sector is regulated and overseen by the Scrap Metal Council, a state corporation domiciled in the State Department for Industry established by the Scrap Metal Council Act of 2015, a few unscrupulous dealers continue to target key installations.

Hotspots for vandalism include Kiambu, Embu, Machakos, Kajiado, Muranga and some parts of Mombasa county mainly Changamwe and Miritini.

“There is ready market for copper and aluminum in the export markets which is encouraging the trend. We are however working on putting all measures in place to curb the acts,” the utility firm said.

Key export markets for the products are China and India, with a kilogramme of copper in the black market fetching up to Sh1,700.

The Energy Act 2019 criminalises tampering with electricity installations, energy theft, vandalism and damage to streetlights and power infrastructure, prescribing a Sh5 million fine or a five-year prison sentence, or both, for offenders.

“We urge policy makers and stakeholders to join us in rooting out these elements to ensure a sustainable and reliable power supply for all Kenyans,” Siror said.