Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has announced planned power interruptions in several areas across four counties on Friday to facilitate system maintenance. The interruptions will occur at different times throughout the day, between 8 am and 5 pm. The affected counties include Nairobi, Kakamega, Homa Bay, and Nyeri. This article provides a detailed overview of the scheduled power outages and the specific areas that will be impacted.
Nairobi County
Residents in parts of Nairobi will experience power interruptions from 9 am to 5 pm. The specific areas affected include:
- Runda Mumwe East: This affluent neighborhood is known for its leafy suburbs and gated communities. Residents and businesses in this area should plan accordingly as the power outage is expected to last most of the working day.
- Part of Eliud Mathu Road: A key thoroughfare, Eliud Mathu Road connects various residential and commercial zones, and the power cut here could disrupt both business operations and daily routines.
- Pan Africa Insurance: Located in Nairobi’s commercial zones, this interruption may affect office operations within the insurance company and other businesses in the vicinity.
- Eagle Park: A prominent residential and business area, those residing or working here will need to adjust their schedules to accommodate the power outage.
- Benin Drive and Afana Road: These areas are home to a mix of residential and small business units, which are likely to experience disruptions in their daily activities.
Nairobi residents are advised to prepare for the power interruptions by scheduling essential activities either before or after the outage hours, ensuring that backup power sources, like generators or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), are available if necessary.
Kakamega County
In Kakamega County, the power interruptions will also occur at varying times throughout the day, affecting several areas including:
- Shianda KMTC, Ekero, Malakha, Shitoto, Lubinu, Amatia, Maraba, and Shianda Market: These regions encompass both residential and commercial zones. Shianda Market, a bustling center for local commerce, is expected to face significant disruptions. Businesses in these areas are urged to plan for alternative power arrangements, especially those reliant on consistent power supply, such as cold storage facilities and food vendors.
It is advisable for those in the affected areas to charge essential electronic devices in advance, secure their perishable goods, and notify their customers of any potential service interruptions.
Homa Bay County
The scheduled power interruptions in Homa Bay County will affect the following areas:
- Wachara, Rachar, Mbani, Ranen Mikumi, Nyarandi, Nyamogo, Kalamindi, and adjacent customers: The power outage in these areas will likely impact daily activities for both residential and commercial customers. Schools, businesses, and other institutions are advised to have contingency plans in place to cope with the power cuts.
For residents of Homa Bay, this power interruption serves as a reminder to take proactive measures such as using solar-powered lighting, especially for businesses that operate beyond daylight hours.
Nyeri County
In Nyeri County, the power will be out between 8 am and 5 pm in the following locations:
- Kirigu Coffee Factory, Gatina Coffee Factory, Gakuyu Secondary School, Gatina Village, Mukangu Dispensary, Mukangu Market, Mukangu Coffee Factory, Safaricom and Airtel Boosters, and Mukangu Secondary School: The affected areas are not only residential but also include key educational institutions and essential service providers like the Mukangu Dispensary. The outage could disrupt communication networks as Safaricom and Airtel boosters will be offline, affecting mobile services and internet connectivity in these regions. Residents and businesses are encouraged to make necessary preparations, such as ensuring that communication devices are charged and alternative arrangements are made for critical tasks that rely on stable power supply.
Impact and Preparations
The planned power interruptions are part of Kenya Power’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the stability and reliability of the electricity supply across the country. However, they are likely to cause temporary inconveniences to residents, businesses, and service providers.
KPLC advises customers in the affected areas to:
- Charge electronic devices ahead of time to avoid loss of communication.
- Plan their daily activities around the outage hours to minimize disruption.
- Use backup power options like generators or solar systems where available.
- Store perishable items properly to prevent spoilage during the power cut.
In case of any emergencies or further inquiries, customers are encouraged to contact Kenya Power’s customer service for assistance. The company has assured the public that it is working diligently to complete the maintenance within the scheduled times to restore power as quickly as possible.
These interruptions underscore the importance of consistent communication between utility companies and customers, allowing for better planning and minimizing the impact of such necessary maintenance activities on the day-to-day lives of Kenyans.
