The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has moved swiftly to dispel rumors circulating on social media regarding a purported blackout at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday night. In a statement released on Saturday, the authority assured the public that JKIA remained fully operational throughout the nationwide power outage.
According to KAA, the social media reports alleging significant disruptions at the airport were false and misleading. The authority emphasized that such misinformation does not reflect the actual situation on the ground. KAA’s prompt response and efficient handling of the situation ensured that airport operations were unaffected by the power outage.
The nationwide blackout, which occurred on Friday night, was caused by a failure in the national power grid. As a result, Kenya Power reported that several regions across the country experienced electricity supply interruptions. However, KAA’s statement highlighted that JKIA was equipped with backup power systems and generators that were activated immediately following the grid failure.
In their update, Kenya Power confirmed that power supply had been lost in various parts of the country, excluding the North Rift region and certain sections of the Western region. The outage affected most areas, including Nairobi, parts of Central Rift, South Nyanza, and the Western region. Restoration efforts were swiftly initiated, with power being restored to the entire Western Region and parts of Central Rift, South Nyanza, and Nairobi.
KAA underscored that their backup systems operated seamlessly, ensuring that the airport maintained a consistent electricity supply without any interruptions to flight operations or passenger services. The authority noted that the recovery from the blackout was notably improved compared to previous incidents, where delays of up to 30 minutes were experienced. This time, services continued uninterrupted throughout the power outage.
The KAA statement further assured passengers that their safety and security were top priorities. The authority reiterated its commitment to providing smooth and efficient services, even in the face of unexpected challenges. By promptly activating backup systems and maintaining clear communication, KAA aimed to reassure travelers and the general public of their dedication to high standards in airport operations.
Kenya Power’s updates on the blackout provided a clearer picture of the situation. The restoration of electricity to most parts of the country was reported, with ongoing efforts to restore power to the remaining areas. The coordination between KAA and Kenya Power during the crisis demonstrated a robust response to managing infrastructure challenges.
In response to the social media rumors, KAA emphasized the importance of relying on verified information rather than speculative reports. The authority’s proactive measures and transparent communication helped mitigate concerns and reinforced public confidence in the airport’s operational resilience.
Overall, the incident highlighted the critical role of backup systems in maintaining essential services during power outages. JKIA’s effective response exemplifies the preparedness required to handle such situations, ensuring that passengers experience minimal disruption. KAA’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and service remains unwavering, reflecting their dedication to providing reliable and secure travel experiences.
As Kenya Power continues its efforts to restore electricity across the country, KAA remains focused on delivering uninterrupted services at JKIA. The collaborative response from both organizations underscores the importance of preparedness and effective management in addressing infrastructure challenges.