Kenya Power Company has begun disconnecting illegal electricity connections in Kisii region to avert loss of lives and other hazards.
The illegal connections were said to be causing power interruptions, loss of revenue and promoting fraud through impersonation of the electricity supplier's personnel.
Launching the crackdown exercise at the region’s offices in the outskirts of Kisii town on Friday, Regional Engineer David Mugambi advised the consumers to seek services from the company to avoid being shortchanged.
He said the illegal lines were dangerously constructed by unskilled individuals who guise as Kenya Power employees.
Mr Mugambi said the company was not fetching the targeted revenue due to the non-metered electricity consumption, adding that as a result, power black outs were being experienced.
"The company has realised losses due to these illegal power connections. We are going to ensure they are all eliminated and the perpetrators brought to book," he warned.
He disclosed that the crackdown, which started at Nyamataro will be extended to Ogembo, Nyamira, Migori and Homabay.
No statistics were given on the exact losses incurred or arrests of those engaging in the illicit business.
The move comes after the company inaugurated the regional office previously located in Kisumu and embarked on implementation of “Boresha Umeme’’ project to curb frequent power outages in the area.