The Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has issued a warning against cutting trees near powerlines due to safety concerns.
In a statement, EPRA noted that cutting trees near power lines could lead to electrocution, power outages and structural damage.
“Avoid cutting trees near power lines; this could result in electrocution, outages & damage,” EPRA warned.
It further instructed anyone seeking to cut a tree near a power line to contact Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) for safe removal to avoid any misfortune.
According to reports, to undertake the process, one should contact the nearest Kenya Power office or dial *977# or make a direct call at 0709 336 000 for professional intervention.
From there, a team of trained experts will visit the site and assess the threat’s severity and decide whether the tree needs pruning or must come down entirely.
Qualified line-clearance personnel then handle the job using specialised techniques, such as directional pruning.
By law, a five-meter-wide corridor on either side of the power lines must remain clear, a rule that KPLC enforces religiously.
Damaging the power lines could also cause legal implications which could lead to heavy fines and imprisonment.
Additionally, individuals could be convicted of vandalising, damaging, or interfering with power lines facing a fine of at least Ksh5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
