Nationwide Power Outage Rocks Country, Again

Power Blackout countrywide
Kenya Power Staff working on electricity lines
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News Projector

Kenyans across the country reported experiencing a power outage on Sunday evening, marking the third time the country has been plunged into darkness within a few months.

Several Kenyans, commenting on various platforms, aired their discontentment questioning why the power outages have become frequent.

Government officials led by Energy CS Davis Chirchir have in the past been at pains to explain why Kenya Power is struggling to provide Kenyans with steady electricity to power their operations.

Nonetheless, led by Saboti member of Parliament Caleb Amisi, Kenyans called out Energy CS Davis Chirchir and Kenya Power CEO Joseph Siror lobbying for them to be held accountable.

Siror
Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO Joseph Siror addresses participants during the first Grid Conference at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies on June 8, 2023.
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Kenya Power

''The frequent power outages in this country is a typical sign of underground nocturnal cabal activities. It is not a usual occurrence, neither is it by accident but by design. I dare say it is time for Davis Chirchir to leave Nairobi and retire in Kericho County,'' the MP stated

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was also hit by a blackout which affected some terminals.

In the last power blackout that lasted more than 12 hours, Kenyans reported disruption of economic activities leading to massive losses. 

Appearing before Senators in September, Energy CS Davis Chirchir attributed the first nationwide blackout this year to the tripping of masts which he claimed caused overvoltage.

“We are investigating the five towers that went down between Kijabe and Mt Longonot to ensure if it was a result of poor workmanship. I have asked KETRACO to establish if it’s the contractor to take liability for poor workmanship,” stated CS Chirchir.

One month down the line, speaking during an interview in October, Kenya Power Chief Executive Officer Joseph Siror linked the frequent power blackouts to the heavy downpours.

"When it rains heavily, it can cause trees to fall on the line, and it causes a short circuit, thereby causing a disturbance on the network," Siror stated.

Kenya Power later issued a statement clarifying the cause of the outage.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir speaking during a conference on lowering cost of energy on Friday June 30, 2023
Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir speaking during a conference on lowering cost of energy on Friday June 30, 2023.
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Senate of Kenya
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