NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Power has launched a wildlife conservation project through its Institute of Energy Studies and Research (IESR) to prevent electrocution of animals, including birds of prey.
In collaboration with US-based Kaddas Enterprises, the project will be carried out along parts of the nation’s electrical grid that are wildlife corridors. It entails retrofitting wildlife-friendly coverings on power line segments that are thought to be electrocution hotspots.
The initiative began at the Sosyambu Conservancy, about 130 kilometres northwest of Nairobi, where reports of most birds of prey being electrocuted have been made.
For raptors in Kenya that use power wires and poles for perching and hunting, including the Augur Buzzard and Martial Eagle, the Soysambu Conservancy is an essential habitat.
“Wildlife is part of our national heritage, which heavily drives our tourism sector. Equally, Kenya Power’s role in energy distribution is a key component of our country’s economic growth. We aspire to ensure peaceful coexistence between nature and the energy infrastructure. Thus, at IESR, our focus is to develop solutions that support this co-existence and enhance business efficiency,” said Eng. Henry Pwani, Head of Research at IESR.
Wildlife electrocution in Kenya is a major concern
Animals coming into contact with live power wires are the main source of wildlife electrocution in Kenya, which poses a significant conservation and economic concern.
The majority of power outages—roughly 50%—are caused by human activity and animal electrocution. 30% of these are caused by wildlife coming into contact with electricity lines.
It is anticipated that the five-year collaboration between Kenya Power (via IESR) and Kaddas Enterprises will significantly lower the number of wildlife electrocution occurrences and the power disruptions that follow.
“By safeguarding wildlife, we are also improving power supply reliability to give a better experience for our customers. This is a win-win situation for the environment and our business,” said Eng. Pwani, adding that IESR will continue to explore more solutions for the issues affecting the community where Kenya Power operates.
Implementation of the wildlife protection project
The Lanet – Naivasha Interconnector, which traverses Soysambu Conservancy, has faced power supply interruptions linked to the electrocution of birds and animals such as giraffes.
Lessons from the implementation of the wildlife protection project along this line will be instrumental in the rollout of the project across other areas within the country.
“This line serves a big part of Nakuru County, and by undertaking this project here, we are looking forward to picking lessons that will be helpful as the project is rolled out in other hotspot areas across the country,” said Wesley Kerich, Kenya Power’s County Business Manager for Nakuru.
What are the Vulnerable Species
Birds of prey, including raptors like the Augur Buzzard and Martial Eagle, frequently perch on concrete poles to hunt, completing circuits with their wings.
On the other hand, large mammals, including tall animals like giraffes, collide with low-hanging lines, while heavy rains and broken crossarms have led to mass electrocutions of buffaloes.
Large water birds, with species such as Pelicans, Flamingos, Cranes, and Marabou Storks, suffer high mortality rates during takeoffs or landings.
Additionally, primates affected are arboreal species, including Colobus monkeys on the coast, facing risks when utilising lines to traverse fragmented canopies.
Beyond retrofitting wildlife-friendly covers on power lines, the partnership between Kenya Power’s IESR and Kaddas Enterprises also includes a training component targeting Kenya Power’s technical staff that is intended to create awareness and develop champions to spearhead the wildlife protection agenda in designing the energy infrastructure.
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