The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has issued an update on the blackout experienced in most parts of the country.
In a statement on May 2, 2024, KPLC announced that it experienced a system disturbance on the grid, resulting in power supply disruption which in turn led to the blackout.
“At 5:40 PM (EAT) today, Thursday, 2nd May 2024, we experienced a system disturbance on the grid, resulting in power supply disruption in most parts of the country,” read part of the statement.
The company further apologized for any inconvenience caused and urged for patience from its customers as it works towards restoring normal power supply at the earliest opportunity.
“We will issue an update on the progress of the power restoration exercise within two hours,” added KPLC.
Uproar from Kenyans
KPLC issued the update after being put on the spot by many Kenyans who complained of experiencing power outage amid the ongoing heavy rains.
Also Read: KPLC Explains Why Kenyans Experience Power Blackouts When It Rains
Kenyans from different parts of the country on Thursday, May 2, 2024, took to social media to complain of experiencing blackout in their respective areas.
The blackout came amid heavy rains which pounded most areas in Kenya in the late hours of Thursday.
The company had on May 1, 2024, announced areas which would experience power interruptions in the country on Thursday.
“Good evening. The listed areas will be affected by planned power interruptions tomorrow (2nd May 2024). The interruption is part of network maintenance,” said Kenya Power in a statement.
Among the areas listed within Nairobi County included Part of Peponi Rd, Spring Valley Crescent, Spring Valley Rd, Ola Energy Peponi Rd, Peponi View Plaza and adjacent customers.
Also Read: KPLC Pressured to Set Number of Power Blackouts Per Customer Yearly
These areas were expected to experience power interruptions from 9.00 Α.Μ. up to 5.00 Ρ.Μ.
Other areas listed included parts of Samburu County, whole of Maralal town, and some areas within the Mt Kenya region and Kilifi County.
Kenya Power advisory on heavy rains
Earlier in April, KPLC had issued an advisory to the public regarding the impending long rainy season.
The statement highlighted the potential challenges posed by severe weather conditions as forecasted by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).
KMD had announced that the rains which are expected to run upto the month of June would be accompanied by strong winds, lightning, thunderstorms, and flooding.
In its advisory, KPLC raised awareness about the potential impact of heavy rains on their service delivery.
The company further cited risks such as disruptions to power lines caused by fallen trees or branches, collapse of electricity poles, flash floods and landslides.
“Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds have the potential to cause: Collapse of electricity poles during strong winds, flash floods, land or mudslides, “read part of the statement.
The company further highlighted the risk of power supply interruption due to the damage of our power distribution infrastructure by the effects of heavy rains.
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