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Kenya Power explains why transformers were removed from Mbeere North amid public uproar
09th July, 2026 07:57 PM
Kenya Power has clarified why several electricity transformers were removed from Mbeere North, dismissing claims that the equipment was being relocated to other parts of the country for political purposes.
In a statement released on Thursday, July 9, 2026, the electricity distributor said the transformers were removed strictly for routine maintenance and repairs, insisting the exercise is part of its normal asset maintenance programme carried out across the country.
According to the utility firm, transformers that develop technical faults, including water ingress and other defects that cannot be repaired on site, are routinely transported to specialised workshops for repairs, testing and controlled heat drying before being reinstalled.
“Kenya Power wishes to clarify that the transformers in Mbeere North were removed strictly for maintenance and repairs, just as is routinely done in other parts of the country. Whenever transformers develop technical faults such as water ingress or other defects that cannot be rectified on site, they are taken to specialized workshops for repairs, testing and controlled heat drying to eliminate moisture and restore their integrity,” the statement read in part.
Kenya Power said the maintenance interventions are designed to restore the integrity of the equipment and ensure customers continue receiving safe, reliable and stable electricity supply.
“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,” it added.
The company further noted that the preventive maintenance programme has significantly reduced transformer failures across the country over the past three years.
Addressing the situation in Mbeere North, Kenya Power revealed that 15 transformers were removed from the area between May and June 2026 for routine maintenance.
According to the statement, 14 of the transformers have already been repaired and reinstalled, while the remaining unit, which was vandalised last week, will be replaced on Friday.
“Between May and June this year, a total of fifteen (15) transformers were recovered from the area for routine maintenance. Fourteen (14) have since been repaired and reinstalled, while one transformer, which was vandalised last week, will be replaced tomorrow,” Kenya Power clarified.
“We wish to assure our customers that these maintenance activities are purely technical and are undertaken to ensure safe, reliable and stable electricity supply,” it added.
The clarification also echoes remarks previously made by Mbeere North MP Leo Wa Muthende, who urged residents not to politicise the maintenance exercise.
Similarly, Embu County Kenya Power Manager Vincent Okello had explained that the transformers were taken to workshops in Nairobi for drying, repairs and restoration after developing technical faults or being vandalised.
Despite the explanations, some residents have continued expressing scepticism, arguing that the transformers were relatively new and questioning why they required extensive maintenance so soon after installation.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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