A massive power outage was experienced from around 9pm Friday night, with Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) in a statement confirming the blackout.
Kenya power said it was working hard to restore the power. The utility company also regretted that the outage had plunged the country into darkness.
“We have lost power supply to various parts of the country except North Rift region and sections of Western region,” said KPLC.
Kenya Power added, “We regret any inconvenience caused and urge for patience from our customers as we work towards restoring normalcy at the earliest opportunity.
We will issue an update on the progress of the power restoration exercise as soon as possible.”
Kenyans from various parts of the country including the capital City Nairobi and Mombasa reported power blackout.
Also Read: KPLC Explains Why Kenyans Experience Power Blackouts When It Rains
The lakeside city of Kisumu which President William Ruto was touring during the day also experienced the darkness.
This is the latest nationwide outage after months of stability.
KPLC restores power partially
Minutes to midnight, KPLC announced that it had restored power in various parts of the country.
“Following the partial outage affecting several parts of the country this evening, we are pleased to report that power supply has now been restored to the entire Western region, as well as parts of Central Rift, South Nyanza, and Nairobi regions.
This includes Nakuru, Naivasha, Kericho, Bomet, Nyandarua, Kisii, Migori, Nyamira, Homa Bay, Machakos, Athi River and parts of Kiambu county. In Nairobi, areas such as the Central Business District, Westlands, and the Industrial Area are also back on supply. The North Rift region and Parts of Western region were unaffected by the outage. Restoration efforts for the rest of the country are ongoing.
We thank our customers for their patience as we work towards the full restoration of normal service,” said Kenya power in a statement it published at 11:55PM.
Also Read: KPLC Moves to End Power Blackouts with Ksh50M Facility
Energy CS Wandayi on the spot
Kenyans called out the newly appointed Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi who had in August 2023 criticized Kenya Power over constant blackouts. He said, “Kenyans are currently paying the highest tariffs ever for electricity consumption including being charged for the power they have not consumed.”
Wandayi added, “Frequent nationwide power outages not only exposes KPLC incompetence but also compromises national security while denting economic production.”
It is a scandal that requires heads to roll but more importantly there is need to establish what is happening at KPLC which continues to enjoy a long monopoly but does not give value for taxpayers’ money”
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