Electricity companies, including Kenya Electrification Transmission Company (KETRACO) officials and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) have raised concerns over increasing encroachment on the Turkwel-Ortum-Kitale power transmission line corridor.
The companies warned that structures and mining activities under high-voltage power lines posed serious safety risks to residents.
Speaking to the press after the community sensitization forum at Kambi Karaya area of Pokot Central Sub-County, KETRACO Acting General Manager, Eng. Samson Akuto said the company operates the Turkwel-Ortum-Kitale power transmission line, which supplies electricity from Turkwel power station to parts of the North Rift, Western Kenya, and South Nyanza regions.
Akuto explained that the Turkwel power station currently transmits 106 megawatts, with the line carrying rated at 220kV of electricity.
He warned that high-voltage electricity could cause fatal accidents, fires, destruction of property, and widespread outages if safety standards are ignored.
Akuto emphasized that according to international standards, the transmission line requires a 40 metre way leave corridor with 20 metres on either side from the centre line to ensure safety of nearby residents, the reliability of power supply, and legal access for maintenance.
He stressed that the 40 metres space directly under the transmission line must not be used for building houses, planting trees, erecting structures, or conducting mining activities.
“Electricity is like lightning; it can kill or burn houses. Residents must adhere to safety measures,” Akuto warned.
He urged community members who have built homes or are living under the power line to vacate the area, noting that the land could only be used for grazing livestock, farming short crops such as maize or other low-risk activities.
Akuto particularly raised alarm over increased gold mining activities in Kambi Karaya and Lami Nyeusi, saying that digging near transmission towers weakens the ground and could cause towers to collapse.
“If a tower falls, it will lead to major national power outages, destroy infrastructure, endanger lives, and result in huge economic losses,” he warned.
West Pokot Business Manager for Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) Abraham Arusei said they visited the area after noticing serious encroachment along the wayleave corridor.
Arusei noted that gold mining activities have attracted people to settle and build houses under the power lines, despite earlier sensitization efforts.
He announced that Kenya Power and Lighting Company and Kenya Electrification Company would demarcate the wayleave area, and individuals who have built houses within the restricted zone would receive official notices.
“Those who fail to comply will be asked to demolish their structures and vacate, and enforcement will be done jointly with the Deputy County Commissioner and County Commissioner,” Eng. Arusei said.
He said that those found building or engaging in mining activities within the wayleave would face the law.
County Mining Officer Brian Bundi said the government is going to take decisive action against all those engaging in illegal mining activities.
“We have stopped all mining activities in Kambi Karaya and Turkwel with immediate affect. The destruction of public property is unacceptable, and we cannot allow operations to continue until all those who want to engage in commercial mining comply with the Mining Act,” Bundi stated.
He also issued a stern warning to all individuals and groups engaged in mining activities in Kambi Karaya and Lami Nyeusi, urging them to strictly adhere to the Mining Act and the environmental regulations governing extraction activities.
“We are calling on all members working in Kambi Karaya and Lami Nyeusi to respect the law. The Mining Act is clear on environmental protection and operational procedures,” he emphasized.
Some residents expressed fear that eviction without compensation would leave them homeless and financially distressed.
Peter Loponyang, a resident of Kambi Karaya, said many families have lived on the land for years, running shops and other livelihood activities. “We will incur huge losses if evicted without compensation,” he said.
Another resident, Fridah Chepochepkai, said the eviction notices have created tensions as many families have no alternative place to relocate to.
She appealed to KETRACO and Kenya Power and Lighting companies to compensate the affected families, noting the harsh climate conditions and the economic struggles facing local communities.
By Anthony Melly
