Traders at Ruambwa trading centre in Bunyala subcounty, Busia county, have urged the Kenya Power to replace or repair a transformer that exploded three weeks ago..
Speaking at the centre on Wednesday, traders committee chairman Benedict Onyango said the transformer exploded when a lorry cut off electric cables.
Traders said they have incurred huge losses due to the power outage.
They include those who operate cyber cafes, bars and restaurants, shopkeepers with refrigerators, welders, battery charging businesses and electric posho mills.
A barber shop operator said on average he used to earn Sh500 per day, but now he has no income.
“The KPLC technicians assured us they would replace the transformer in a week, but we are now in the third week without electricity,” the barber said.
The traders said the power failure has led to insecurity at the trading centre and neighbouring homes.
“Traders have been forced to close shops early and employ security guards, since robbers break into our business premises at night,” Onyango said.
