Miraa-growing Igembe North leads in illegal power connection

Twenty deaths were caused by illegal electricity connections last year, Kenya Power Mount Kenya regional manager Phineas Marete has said.

Out of the number, he said, Meru recorded four deaths.

The manager spoke on Saturday during a training to bring the media to up to speed on issues involving Kenya Power.

“We are endangering the lives of our people and making our company incur losses, this is against the law,” he said.

Marete attributed high cases of illegal connections to Miraa-growing areas of Nyambene where farmers use electricity for irrigation.

He said they will be partnering with NYS is to assist with data collection to enhance service delivery.

“We will know where the meters are located and who the owners are. It will bring efficiency in meter reading and revenue collections,” Marete said.

The manager also urged devolved units that have outstanding bills in Mt Kenya to expedite payments to enable Kenya Power to sustain its operations.

A number of counties have huge debts, he said.

KPLC Meru business manager said Igembe North is leading in illegal connections.