Kenya Power has released a notice informing the public of planned power interruptions scheduled for Friday, August 30, 2024. These outages are necessary to facilitate routine maintenance and upgrades on the electricity distribution network. The affected areas span across parts of Nairobi North Sub-County and Kakamega County. Below is a detailed breakdown of the locations and the expected outage periods.
Why Power Maintenance is Necessary
Planned power outages are a routine part of ensuring a reliable and efficient electricity supply. These interruptions allow Kenya Power to perform essential maintenance tasks such as replacing worn-out equipment, upgrading infrastructure, and ensuring that the power lines and substations are operating optimally. While these outages can be inconvenient, they are crucial for preventing unexpected power failures and improving overall service delivery.
Areas in Nairobi North Sub-County to Experience Outages
Part of Dandora: The Dandora area, particularly parts of Komarocks Road, Councillor Opundo Road, Dandora Phase 5, Gitari, Marigu, and surrounding areas, will experience a power outage from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. This maintenance is expected to affect residential areas, small businesses, and institutions within this vicinity. Residents and business owners in these areas are advised to plan accordingly to mitigate any potential disruptions.
Nyangiela, Katanga: In the Nyangiela and Katanga regions, power will be interrupted from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Key areas to be affected include Zuri Hotel, Ragama Posho Mill, Nyangiela Market, Dol Market, Katanga Market, Freddy Janam, Kuoyo Market, Nyagowa Primary School, Opija Safaricom Booster, Got Kwach, Kimanyi SDA, Ayoro Coffee, Mathenge Market, Ouru Market, God Ber Secondary School, and Ranena Primary School, along with adjacent customers. The power maintenance in this area will likely impact both residential and commercial activities.
Kakamega County: Lubao Market and Surrounding Areas
Lubao Market: In Kakamega County, the Lubao Market area will experience a power outage from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. The affected locations include Lubao Market, Handiti, Bishop Stamp, Karlo, Bishop Sulumeti, Nyayo Tea Zone, Kakamega Show Ground, Stage Mboga, Bukhaywa Booster, Lubao FM, Emusala, Emukaba, Lurambi, Mwiyala, Mukhweso Junction, Lwakhuba Market, Lwakhuba Village, and surrounding areas. This extended outage will affect a wide range of businesses, institutions, and residential areas, potentially leading to significant disruptions in daily activities.
Impact on Businesses and Households
Power outages, particularly those that last several hours, can have significant impacts on both businesses and households. For businesses, especially those reliant on electrical equipment and machinery, these outages can lead to operational downtime, affecting productivity and revenue. Households may also face inconveniences, especially with food preservation, electronic device usage, and daily routines.
Preparing for the Outage
Kenya Power advises residents and business owners in the affected areas to take necessary precautions ahead of the planned outages. Some steps to consider include:
- Backup Power Solutions: Investing in alternative power sources such as generators, solar power systems, or Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) can help mitigate the impact of power interruptions.
- Charge Devices: Ensure that all necessary devices, such as phones, laptops, and power banks, are fully charged before the outage begins.
- Food Preservation: Households should consider refrigerating perishables in advance and limiting the opening of refrigerator doors during the outage to maintain a cool temperature.
- Operational Planning: Businesses should plan their operations around the outage, possibly adjusting work schedules or using the downtime for tasks that do not require electricity.
Communication from Kenya Power
Kenya Power has been proactive in communicating the planned outages to ensure that the affected populations can prepare adequately. The company uses multiple channels, including social media, SMS alerts, and public notices, to reach as many customers as possible. Staying informed through these channels is crucial for timely updates and any changes in the planned maintenance schedule.
Long-term Benefits of Power Maintenance
While power outages can be disruptive, the long-term benefits of regular maintenance cannot be overstated. Improved infrastructure means fewer unexpected outages in the future, better power quality, and more reliable service. For Kenya Power, these activities are part of a broader strategy to modernize the grid and meet the growing demand for electricity in the country.
Conclusion
The planned power outages on August 30, 2024, will affect several areas in Nairobi North Sub-County and Kakamega County. While these interruptions may cause temporary inconveniences, they are necessary for maintaining and improving the electricity distribution network. Kenya Power has advised all affected customers to take appropriate measures to minimize the impact on their daily activities. By preparing adequately, residents and businesses can navigate these outages with minimal disruption, ultimately benefiting from a more reliable power supply in the future.
