The government has kicked out sand harvesters who have encroached land around high-voltage electricity lines in Naivasha.

Government officials said the ongoing sand harvesting along various power lines in Maella, Mithuri, Mai Mahiu and Longonot areas was illegal.

The move comes barely a month after several towers around the town crashed while others were vandalised forcing President Uhuru Kenyatta to ban scrap-metal trade.

In the last three months, vandalism has affected the Kiambere-Embakassi, Loiyangalani-Suswa and the Olkaria-Kisumu high voltage lines.

According to Naivasha Deputy County Commissioner Mutua Kisilu (pictured), a special team has been formed to monitor and inspect power towers in Naivasha.

He said an inspection along the power lines had established massive sand harvesting that was exposing the towers to collapse.

“We have held a meeting with communities near the power towers and banned any sand harvesting along the way-leave as it is making the towers weak,” he said.

Kisilu retaliated the government’s plans to kick out all those who were living under the power lines, saying the residents should adhere to the 30m rule of keeping away from the power lines.