Kenya Power office/FILE
Kenya Power has defended its decision to remove 15 transformers from Mbeere North, saying the exercise was part of a routine maintenance programme aimed at improving the reliability and safety of electricity supply.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the utility dismissed suggestions that the transformers were removed for reasons other than technical maintenance, explaining that the equipment had developed faults that required specialised repairs outside their installation sites.
According to the company, transformers are taken to designated workshops whenever they develop defects such as water ingress or other technical faults that cannot be fixed in the field.
Once removed, the transformers undergo repairs, testing and controlled heat drying to eliminate moisture before being reinstalled on the network.
Kenya Power said the preventive maintenance programme has significantly reduced transformer failures across the country over the past three years.
"These preventive maintenance interventions have significantly reduced transformer failure across the country over the past three years and remain a key component of the Company's asset maintenance programme," the company said.
The utility disclosed that between May and June this year, it removed 15 transformers from Mbeere North for routine maintenance.
It said 14 of the transformers have since been repaired and returned to service.
The remaining transformer, however, was vandalised last week before it could be reinstalled.
Kenya Power said the damaged transformer will be replaced on Friday.
The company also said customers affected by the maintenance programme were kept informed throughout the exercise.
"Throughout such maintenance activities, the Company engages affected customers and keeps them informed," the statement said.
Assuring residents that the exercise was purely technical, Kenya Power said routine inspection, repair and maintenance of electricity infrastructure remain critical in preventing equipment failure and ensuring stable power supply.
"We wish to assure our customers that these maintenance activities are purely technical and are undertaken to ensure safe, reliable and stable electricity supply," the company said.
The utility added that similar transformer maintenance exercises are routinely carried out across the country whenever equipment develops faults requiring specialised attention in its workshops.
