The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has clarified reports that Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) operations were disrupted by the nationwide blackout that affected most parts of the country, leaving passengers stranded.
In a statement on Friday, August 30, KAA dismissed the reports as fake and misleading.
According to the authority passengers and flight operations were not interrupted after power went off at around 9:30 pm.
“KAA would like to clarify that reports circulating on social media regarding disruptions to operations at the JKIA due to the nationwide power outage are FALSE & MISLEADING,” reads the statement in part.
KAA Responds to JKIA Reports of Service Disruptions
KAA also mentioned that JKIA has backup power systems and generators that were promptly activated following the blackout.
“The backup power systems and generators at the airport were activated promptly following tonight’s national grid outage, ensuring that the airport maintained full electricity supply without any interruption to services or flight operations,” read part of the statement.
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The authority further assured its customers that JKIA is fully committed to meeting their needs while ensuring that their safety remains a top priority.
“We assure the public that JKIA remains fully operational, and passengers can expect seamless service throughout their travel experience,” the authority added.
“The safety & security of our passengers are our top priorities, & we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards in airport operations.”
The clarification comes after social media users posted images allegedly showing passengers standing in darkness at JKIA shortly after the power outage.
Nationwide Power Outage
A massive power outage was experienced from around 9PM on Friday night, with Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) confirming the blackout in a statement.
KPLC said that most parts of the country were affected by the outage except the North Rift region and sections of the Western region.
The company reported that it was working diligently to restore power and expressed regret over the outage that 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.
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“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 had reported power blackout demanding answers from Kenya Power.
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.
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