Abstract: Vandalism poses a significant challenge for power transmission companies worldwide, affecting them through both direct and indirect costs. Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited has suffered significant financial and revenue losses as a result of frequent vandalism of power equipment. Therefore, this study investigated the causes of vandalism of electricity power transmission equipment of Kenya Power & Lighting Company in Kiambu County, Kenya. The research utilized a descriptive research design to evaluate the issue of power equipment vandalism in Kiambu County. This research employed purposive and stratified random sampling methods in choosing 502 participants consisting of senior KPLC officials and county residents with business establishments. Questionnaires and key informant interview schedules were the study tools utilized to gather primary data. Published articles, journals, books, dissertations, and projects were the sources of secondary data used for collection. To ensure the research instruments were valid and reliable, pilot study and test-retest were conducted. Quantitative data was organized and inputted into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22 for analysis, while qualitative data was structured thematically and communicated through narration. One of the main discoveries in the study on vandalism's causes was the widespread demand for electricity power equipment by dishonest vendors, as well as the high levels of poverty and lack of employment among young people, which results in the theft of power equipment. The research concludes that there are multiple factors that lead to vandalism of electricity power transmission equipment, with the primary causes being oil leakage from the transformer, aluminum conductors, and copper windings. These factors impact different stakeholders in the power distribution system, such as businesses, the transmission company KPLC, and the entire country. The study recommends that Kenya Power and Lighting Company needs to engage the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) to secure its critical facilities in vandalism-prone areas and prevent unauthorized access to transformer oil, aluminum conductors, and copper windings.
Keywords: Equipment Vandalism.
Title: CAUSES OF VANDALISM OF ELECTRICITY POWER TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT OF KENYA POWER & LIGHTING COMPANY IN KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
Author: Geoffrey K. Kigen, Dr. Calvine Kayi
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 12, Issue 2, April 2024 - June 2024
Page No: 240-247
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 08-June-2024
