490 Kenyans killed in electricity accidents

Kenya power western region manager Dan Obiero during the public safety sensitization in Kisumu on July 5 2016. The workshop was organized by Kenya power and Kisumu county commissioners office. PIC BY COLLINS ODUOR

Some 490 people were killed in electricity related accidents in the past seven years, Kenya Power Company has said.

The electricity distributor said an average of 70 people lose their lives annually, with a majority of electrocutions being caused by poor wiring.

Kenya Power Safety and Environment Western Region Manager John Guda said this happens because many people engage quacks instead of professionals.

"In order to get cheap labour, many people contract electricians who do not know the required standards of wiring hence risking their lives," he said.

Guda urged Kenyans to engage electricians who are registered by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

"A genuine electrician should give you a certificate once they do wiring for you. In case anything goes wrong, the certificate can be used to make a follow up," he said.

He added that illegal connections and extensions were to blame for most electrocutions in informal settlements.

“(People) should just follow the right channel and approach Kenya Power to provide them with legal power," he said.

He urged Kenyans to inform them in case there is an overgrown tree whose branches can fall on power lines.