Farmers in Aberdare sub-county, Nyandarua County, are grappling with major disruptions following the theft of a Kenya Power transformer that occurred a month ago.
The 1,400-member Pesi Farmers Cooperative Society says the theft has stalled the launch of a new potato receipt store designed to help farmers preserve their produce while waiting for better market prices.
According to the society’s chairman, Ngana, the power loss has also affected milk collection operations, forcing the society to transport milk daily to Shamata town an alternative location with a functioning cooler at an added cost of KSh10,000 per day.
“As a society and as residents, we are calling for immediate replacement of the transformer. We are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure such theft does not happen again,” said Ngana.
The situation is worsened by the state of the 5-kilometre earth road connecting the Pesi trading centre to the Nyahururu–Nyeri highway.
During the rainy season, the road becomes impassable, leading to delays in getting milk and produce to the market.
Susan Kimaru, a local farmer, lamented the impact of poor infrastructure on farmgate prices.
“A bag of potatoes is now going for just KSh500 to KSh700. We are not getting value for our hard work,” she said.
Kimaru noted that the region, which falls within Ndaragwa Constituency, depends on Nyeri County for vegetable markets. Brokers take advantage of the poor roads to buy produce—such as potatoes, carrots, and cabbages—at exploitative prices.
The farmers were speaking during a press briefing where they urged government intervention to improve roads and restore power in order to make agriculture viable.
Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho condemned the transformer thefts, saying such incidents have also affected areas in Ol Kalou, Ndaragwa, and parts of Laikipia County.
“These are not ordinary thefts. The transformers are being removed professionally—these could be former Kenya Power staff or people working in collusion with insiders,” Kiaraho stated.
He warned that investigations were underway, especially into contractors working with Kenya Power.
“Let those responsible know their days are numbered. These transformers serve hundreds of people, and losing one affects entire communities,” he added.
The MP called on residents to remain vigilant and protect infrastructure, emphasizing that leaders work hard to secure such developments for their constituents.
