Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) successfully restored the Olkaria I-Naivasha 132kV transmission line on April 1, following the collapse of six towers at Kedong Ranch due to vandalism. The incident, which occurred on March 25, caused a significant power disruption, cutting off 140MW from the national grid and highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to sabotage.
The affected line is Kenya’s only 132kV connection from the geothermal-rich Olkaria fields, which have reliably supplied electricity since the 1980s. However, with tower braces deliberately removed by vandals, the weakened structures collapsed, creating an emergency that required rapid response from KPLC’s engineers.
KPLC swiftly mobilized its emergency teams and deployed Emergency Restoration Towers (ERTs) stored near Malindi. The modular, lightweight structures were transported across the country while field crews navigated rough terrain and heavy rains at Kedong Ranch to begin restoration work.
Engineers from Naivasha, Nakuru, Embakasi, and other regions collaborated with technical teams from System Control, Electrical Plant, and Distribution Systems. Their relentless six-day effort involved repairing three of the damaged towers on-site while assembling and installing the ERTs.
By March 29, two emergency towers were erected, and by the morning of April 1, the final ERT, transported from the Sabaki River, was positioned. By 12:20 PM the same day, conductors were strung, final tests completed, and power restoredreturning 108MW to the grid.
Beyond being a remarkable technical feat, the operation underscored the dangers of infrastructure vandalism. Kenya Power lauded the tireless dedication of its engineers and technicians, including Eng. George Korir, Eng. Peter Paul Mutinda, Eng. Zadock Rotich, and Peninah Mungai, among many others.
The company has urged authorities and the public to remain vigilant against vandalism, emphasizing the widespread consequences of such acts on Kenya’s power stability and economic activities.
