Kenya Power Issues Update On Major Countrywide Blackout
The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was not spared either as reports indicate that the blackout led to the failure of generators, leaving travellers stranded.
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UPDATE 26/08/2023: Kenya Power has revealed that it has restored power supply to most parts of the country including Kiambu, Nyeri, Meru, Murang'a, Embu, Isiolo, Nanyuki, Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Nyandarua, Samburu, Kisumu, Vihiga, Kakamega, Siaya, Busia, Kisii, Migori, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Kitale, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Machakos, Makueni and parts of Nairobi.
"We are working to restore the remaining areas and we shall update once the remaining generating plants are back. We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience caused and we thank them for their patience," stated the monopoly firm.
Kenyans have reported widespread power blackouts across the country, including in Nairobi, Central, Mombasa and Western regions.
This writer was also affected by the blackouts which reportedly began some minutes before 10 p.m. on Friday, August 25.
The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was not spared either as reports indicate that the blackout led to the failure of generators, leaving travellers stranded.
Screengrab of a power blackout that affected Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on August 25, 2023. /TWITTER
"JKIA, Kenya’s international airport, is in darkness. The backup generators also failed. How embarrassing is this? This shouldn’t happen. Nani amekula pesa ya mafuta (Who has misused the funds for fuel) for those generators.
"President William Ruto must crack the whip. This incompetence can’t be ignored!" Ahmed Mohamed, alias Asmali, tweeted.
Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the blackout at JKIA, announcing that he would make a decision on Saturday, August 26 after meeting the leadership of the airport.
"I am really sorry for what has happened at JKIA with the blackout. There is no excuse worth reporting and there is no reason why our airport is in darkness.
"I will be announcing the decision we will make tomorrow at 9 a.m. at JKIA after a meeting with the leadership of the airport. Once again I am sorry," he wrote.
Kenya Power on its part confirmed the blackout, stating that the outage was caused by a general system disturbance.
"We have experienced a general system disturbance thereby causing a major outage. Our technical teams are troubleshooting with the aim of restoring supply at the earliest," read the report from Kenya Power seen by Viral Tea.
"Sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. Thank you for the continued partnership."
